Pioneer of Naloxone Access, Dr. Buxton, Honored for Overdose Prevention Efforts
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- Pioneer of Naloxone Access, Dr. Buxton, Honored for Overdose Prevention Efforts
Dr. buxton,a driving force behind expanding naloxone access in British Columbia, has been awarded an honorary degree for her tireless efforts in overdose prevention. As fentanyl-related deaths surged, Buxton championed the distribution of naloxone kits, empowering ordinary citizens to save lives.
Dr. Buxton’s Pivotal Role in Naloxone Accessibility
In the 2010s, as fentanyl began infiltrating the drug market, Dr. buxton and her colleagues recognized the urgent need for a countermeasure to combat the escalating overdose crisis. Their focus quickly turned to naloxone, a medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses [[1]].
“people from the Vancouver area Network of Drug Users came to me to advocate for a program, and so we contacted agencies in the U.S.and in Edmonton, where naloxone programs had been established,” Buxton stated. This collaborative approach was crucial in understanding regulations and developing a comprehensive plan.
Did You Know? Naloxone, frequently enough referred to by its brand name narcan, is available as both a nasal spray and an intramuscular injection [[1]].
From Prescription-Only to Province-Wide Access
A meaningful turning point was the transition of naloxone kits from prescription-only to widespread availability across british Columbia. This pivotal change meant that anyone who might witness an overdose could obtain a kit and be prepared to respond.
“Today, anyone who may witness an overdose can get a kit,” Buxton noted. “They need to know how to recognize and respond to an overdose,including how to administer naloxone.”
UFV honors Buxton for Her Contributions
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) recognized Dr. Buxton’s outstanding contributions by presenting her with an honorary degree at its June 12 Convocation ceremony held at the UFV Athletic Center in Abbotsford.
Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the signs of an opioid overdose, which can include slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingernails, and unresponsiveness.
Continuing to Inspire Future Generations
Even though Dr. Buxton has retired from her position at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), she remains actively involved as a supervisor and keynote speaker, mentoring a new generation of frontline workers.
“Students are inspiring. To see their passion and excitement as they learn – it has been a real privilege to be a part of their learning journey.”
Naloxone: A Lifesaving Tool in the opioid Crisis
Naloxone’s ability to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses has been instrumental in addressing the opioid crisis [[2]].Common opioids include heroin and prescription pain pills like OxyContin, Percocet, methadone, and Vicodin [[2]].
| Key Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Naloxone | Medication that reverses opioid overdoses. |
| Fentanyl | A potent synthetic opioid contributing to overdose deaths. |
| Over-the-counter naloxone | FDA approved nasal spray available without a prescription [[3]]. |
Evergreen Insights: Understanding Naloxone and the Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis continues to be a significant public health challenge, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl driving a surge in overdose deaths. Naloxone is a critical tool in mitigating the impact of this crisis, providing a temporary reversal of opioid effects and allowing time for emergency medical intervention. Increased access to naloxone, coupled with education and training, is essential to saving lives and reducing the devastating consequences of opioid addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naloxone
- What is naloxone? Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses [[1]].
- How does naloxone work? Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain, restoring normal breathing.
- Where can I get naloxone? Naloxone is available at pharmacies and through community-based programs.
- Is naloxone safe? Naloxone is safe to use, even if the person is not overdosing on opioids.
- How do I administer naloxone? Naloxone is administered as a nasal spray or an injection.
The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
What steps can communities take to further expand access to naloxone? How can we better educate the public about recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses?
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