ATLANTA AND WASHINGTON — For decades, U.S. life expectancy has been rising. In 1950, most Americans could expect to celebrate their 68th birthday. In 2014, most Americans could expect to celebrate their 78th, and live at least another 10 months beyond that. But in 2015 life expectancy dipped by a month, according to data from the […]
ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services received three federal multi-year grants this month that together provide nearly $3 million annually toward the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction, misuse and overdose in Alaska. “Opioid addiction and overdose deaths are hurting Alaska families and communities,” said Gov. Bill Walker. “Getting this funding […]
Megan Peters reported in the trooper dispatch on Friday that the State Crime Lab revealed that the heroin that was seized in the small southwest Alaska community of Quinhagak contained more of the synthetic opioid Fentanyl than heroin. The powerful synthetic opioid, 50-100 times stronger that heroin, caused three overdoses in the community on August […]
JUNEAU – Governor Bill Walker signed SB 23, a life-saving measure preventing opioid overdose in Alaska, into law this week. Sponsored by Senator Johnny Ellis of Anchorage and co-sponsored by 37 other legislators, the bill removes civil liabilities from doctors and trained bystanders who prescribe and administer naloxone, a drug intended to counteract the negative […]