Suffolk Notebook: Narcan Patients To Get Referrals

The Suffolk County Legislature this week approved two new measures officials said will help in the on going fight against opiate addiction.

Lawmakers approved a bill directing Suffolk Police to work with the County Department of Health to establish a system to get treatment for opiate overdose patients. Any individual treated with Narcan by a police officer for a heroin or opiate addiction would receive a Pre-Hospital Care report, that would offer information on sources of rehabilitation to help that individual overcome their addiction. 

"Individuals who overdose on opiates are often addicts and need professional help to get clean and an overdose event may represent that critical transformational moment for an addict," said Legis. Kara Hahn, D-Setauket, sponsored the legislation.  

In addition, the legislature approved a second measure allowing the county's Department of Health Services to seek state approval to become a certified Narcan training center. If it does, family members of those individuals fighting drug addiction could be taught the warning signs of an opiate overdose and how to administer treatment. 

Both measures will go to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone for his signature.