As Overdose Awareness Day approached, the millionth kit of injectable naloxone was distributed. Drink Drug News magazine looks back at the story of this lifesaving intervention.

This nonprescription availability is an important milestone for states and territories, community organizations, harm reduction advocates, those working to prevent overdose, and people at risk for overdose. State policy has evolved since the initial FDA approval of naloxone in 1971 to reduce access barriers and allow distribution to laypersons for emergency response. More than 20 years ago, harm reduction organizations spearheaded efforts to distribute naloxone to laypersons, particularly people who use drugs and their friends and families. Significant research has demonstrated naloxone is safe and effective for layperson use even with brief training.

Turning Point is calling on the government to make naloxone routinely available to the police, paramedics and the general public, as only treatment and healthcare staff are currently able to distribute the drug.