Bill Overview
Title: Preventing Overdoses and Saving Lives Act 2.0
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027, modifies eligibility for, and otherwise makes changes to grants for increasing access to emergency treatments to reverse opioid overdoses (e.g., naloxone).
Sponsors: Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]
Target Audience
Population: People at risk of opioid overdose worldwide
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill aims to increase access to emergency treatments for opioid overdoses, thus directly affecting individuals at risk of opioid overdose.
- The global opioid crisis affects millions of people worldwide who are either addicted or at risk of overdose.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 500,000 deaths can be attributed to drug use annually, of which more than 70% are related to opioids.
- Access to naloxone is a critical component in preventing deaths from opioid overdose, thus legislation enhancing this access affects a large number of individuals worldwide.
Reasoning
- The policy specifically targets individuals at risk of opioid overdoses, meaning the simulated interviews should primarily focus on those directly or indirectly associated with opioid use or treatment.
- A large budget indicates potential for widespread impact, yet not everyone in the target population may experience direct benefits due to varying levels of access and distribution.
- The US population affected by the opioid crisis includes diverse groups such as individuals with opioid use disorder, their families, and healthcare professionals.
- In simulating interviews, it is crucial to include both urban and rural individuals as access to emergency treatments may differ by location.
Simulated Interviews
Recovering Opioid User (Boston, MA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have seen too many friends overdose without timely help.
- Access to naloxone needs to be universal, especially in my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Emergency Room Nurse (Columbus, OH)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more resources could save many lives in my hospital.
- We need training and support to effectively use these resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Pharmacist (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My pharmacy needs steady supply of naloxone.
- Communities like mine can greatly benefit if policies reach us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Non-profit Worker (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More funding would allow us to educate and distribute more naloxone kits.
- Community engagement is key to making the policy effective.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High School Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 18 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry every day about my family, and I hope this policy can prevent further tragedy.
- Education through schools could complement this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Retired (Newport, RI)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to have more trained responders and available naloxone when needed.
- The policy should support community outreach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Firefighter/EMT (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With more naloxone, we can prevent many deaths during our responses.
- We need policies that support all first responders to be equipped.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Public Health Researcher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good data and policies based on that data can save lives.
- Research and interventions must go hand-in-hand.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Homeless Outreach Worker (Portland, OR)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need immediate emergency treatments for those we help.
- Policy must ensure access for vulnerable populations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired School Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Education and access must come together.
- Policies like these are essential for moving forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $520000000 (Low: $420000000, High: $620000000)
Year 3: $540000000 (Low: $440000000, High: $640000000)
Year 5: $580000000 (Low: $480000000, High: $680000000)
Year 10: $700000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $800000000)
Year 100: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of the policy is contingent on successful disbursement and use of grants to communities most in need.
- Due to its focus on grant support, the success of this bill depends heavily on state-level implementation and cooperation.
- Potential public resistance or administrative burdens might affect the rapid execution and success of provisions within this act.