Meriter works to make life-saving drug more accessible to those at high risk | Health

MADISON (WKOW ) — UnityPoint Health – Meriter announced a new initiative looking to expand the availability of Naloxone (Narcan) kits.

Naloxone is a life-saving drug to help reverse opioid overdoses.

In 2024, 18.8% of patients discharged from Meriter received an opioid prescription, but only around 7% also received a prescription or had naloxone as well.

The take-home kits would be given to patients at an increased risk for overdose.

“This project began with the vision and dedication of our Pain Management Pharmacists and Nurse colleagues, who recognized an opportunity to remove cost barriers to Narcan for our highest-risk patients through a Foundation grant,” said Mandy Ketterer, a discharge pharmacist at UnityPoint Health – Meriter.

Everyone receiving the kit will get personalized education to help them recognize and overdose and how to administer the medication.