legislature to Vermont lawmakers. The department is awaiting the state’s House of Representatives’ decision on whether the bill will be passed into law, after already been approved by the state Senate.
In addition to MAT, state officials are attempting to increase its efforts to distribute naloxone kits and provide access to safe injection sites and needle exchanges.
The Howard Center’s Safe Recovery program distributes naloxone kits to local residents. The center estimated that since 2013, the program has issued over 18,000 kits. The VDH reported EMS crews administered doses of naloxone to nearly 540 individuals in 2016.
Despite the amount of treatment options, Vermonters with substance use disorders retain a wariness of local law enforcement, which has tried to implement additional programs to assist community members seeking treatment. Although Vermont has a Good Samaritan Law in place, many people do not call 911 in fear of legal repercussions.
Mayor Weinberger said Burlington is partnering with the Howard Center and the University of Vermont Medical Center to rapidly increase resources and treatment options for residents.
