Lali's Law

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4586 because it is critical that we educate healthcare professionals about opioid overdose reversal medications.

This bill allows the CDC to authorize grants to States based on their ability to educate healthcare professionals in dispensing opioid reversal medication. Specifically, this opioid reversal medication, called naloxone, can be used in emergency situations to stop an opioid overdose death.

Also, through this bill, pharmacists will be able to dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription, increasing access to this lifesaving antidote. This access will help save lives in emergency situations when patients do not have the time or ability to seek or receive professional medical care. The World Health Organization states that this increased access will save up to 200,000 lives.

As a lifelong pharmacist, I believe it is our duty to always educate Americans about the lifesaving tools available to them. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4586 so more people can be educated and have access to lifesaving medication related to opioid overdose.

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