Partnering with Law Enforcement Deputies to Prevent Drug-Related Deaths
Grant helps fund pilot program to provide nasal atomizers to reverse narcotic overdoses
In 2014, Scripps provided a community grant to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department to help prevent drug-related deaths. The grant contributed to
the costs to implement a pilot program for deputies that has made the department the first agency in California to equip vehicles with nasal atomizers
containing Naxolene — a powerful narcotic reversal agent.
Deputies are often first responders in drug overdose cases, and the medication can revive an overdose victim almost instantly, saving them from brain injury and possibly death.
“Our number one priority is protection of life,” says Capt. James Bovet of the Santee division of the sheriff’s department. “Making Naxolene available to our deputies is another tool in their toolbox to fulfill that mission.”
Patrol cars in the Santee division have been equipped with nasal atomizers containing Naxolene since summer 2014.