Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) today issued this statement following the agreement between the state Department of Health and CVS to provide Narcan over the counter.    

“Narcan has proven to be a valuable tool by averting overdoses. Increasing Narcan's availability is a positive step that will save lives, but we must accompany this with other critical measures. One area I believe we must prioritize is tracking Narcan use so that we can get users the help they need. As co-chair of the Senate's Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, we recognize that our approach to tackling the heroin and opioid epidemic must be as comprehensive as the epidemic itself. Measures to increase prevention, treatment, and recovery - coupled with strict prosecution of those bringing these drugs into our communities - will bring our families and communities the relief they need.”