CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — A task force appointed by Gov. Gina Raimondo has set a goal to reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths in the state by one-third within three years.
The Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force released a plan on Wednesday to reach the goal.
Among their strategies is to develop a system that will making medication treatment such as methadone more readily available. They also want to more widely distribute the overdose antidote naloxone, also known as Narcan.
They also hope to keep closer track of prescribing and dispensing certain prescription medications, and expand the ranks of recovery coaches.
In 2014, 239 people died of overdoses in Rhode Island. Health officials say that’s more than the number of deaths from homicide, suicide and motor vehicle accidents combined.
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