Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) has successfully advocated for the installation of overdose reversal kits in House office buildings. These kits, containing naloxone, are placed near automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to highlight the importance of making this opioid reversal treatment as accessible as defibrillators.
Opioid overdoses are a leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45. By installing these kits, House Office Buildings aim to normalize the presence of this treatment and encourage public education on its administration.
“This is a huge win for public safety,” said Rep. Carter. “By making opioid reversal kits as common as defibrillators and fire extinguishers, we will arm citizens with critical tools to combat the opioid epidemic. I am proud that the U.S. Capitol is leading the way. We can and must ensure that schools and other public and private buildings across the nation have similar access to this life-saving treatment.”
The boxes have been installed at key locations within Rayburn, Longworth, Cannon, Ford, and O’Neill buildings. The Sergeant at Arms will soon equip these boxes with opioid reversal kits for emergency use.
