Nassau Standard

Congressmen Anthony D'Esposito and David Trone have introduced the Veterans Naloxone Access Expansion Act, a bill aimed at increasing access to naloxone for veterans and their caregivers. The legislation proposes a two-year pilot program that would allow veterans and their caregivers to obtain naloxone without a prescription or fee. The initiative also includes providing information on addiction services, suicide prevention, mental health resources, and the use of naloxone.

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs will be responsible for reporting to Congress on various aspects of the program. This report will cover participant numbers, feasibility of extending access to family members and non-department providers, potential effects of requiring consultation with VA medical providers, and any budgetary considerations.

Current programs require prescriptions for naloxone, which can deter veterans from seeking care due to stigma associated with substance use disorder. The new act aims to remove these barriers, particularly benefiting caregivers of disabled veterans by allowing them free access to naloxone.

Congressman D'Esposito stated, “America’s opioid crisis is affecting all Americans, especially the tens of thousands of veterans who’ve died from opioid-related overdoses. Having already sacrificed so much for our freedoms, we owe it to our veterans to expand access to life-saving treatments.” Congressman Mike Lawler expressed support by saying that ensuring veterans have access to necessary help is "mission critical."

James A. LaCoursiere from The American Legion endorsed the legislation, highlighting its potential in saving lives by removing burdensome requirements through the VA.