The motion prevailed.
Senator Brinks’ statement is as follows:
I rise today to speak in support of Senate Bill Nos. 578 and 579. These bills expand the availability of treatment for opioid use disorder in emergency departments and access to naloxone, the life-saving drug that can reverse overdoses, to community-based organizations.
Provisional data shows that drug overdose deaths in 2020 climbed 16 percent in Michigan over the previous year, likely due to the physical and emotional stress many faced during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this especially tumultuous time, it is essential for us to do everything possible to support those struggling with substance use disorder, and to provide groups that interact directly with individuals experiencing SUD the tools to intervene at critical moments.
Naloxone is a safe and effective way to prevent an opioid overdose fatality. That is why allowing community organizations to access and administer this lifesaving drug medication is a critical step that we should all take in saving lives. The combination of naloxone administration, the initiation of medication assisted treatment, with a warm handoff to agencies providing counseling and other services has proven to reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and drug overdoses. Together, these bills will decrease the number of deaths that occur because of drug overdose and support individuals on a path to recovery.
Thank you to my colleague from the 35th District for his leadership on this issue, and for working together with me on this important bill package that could save thousands of lives across our state. I’d also like to give my thanks to those who served on the Michigan Opioids Task Force for their incredible work. And finally, a big thank you to the incredible staff here in the Senate and in the Department of Health and Human Services for their help in developing this legislation.
I urge your support.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 579, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 21528.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: