In many states, first responders, including firefighters and law enforcement officers carry doses of Naloxone, a drug which acts to safely reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Additionally, in many parts of the country, it is legal to keep the lifesaving heroin antidote at a private residence.

Iowa is just one of several states where Naloxone is available to be administered only by healthcare professionals and emergency medical personnel. State Representative and retired Iowa State Trooper Clel Baudler wants the availability of the drug to be broadened to include law enforcement, other first responders and families. “I don’t necessarily like the concept of it, but I think now it’s probably needed. The only problem with it, is if you come across a person having a heroin overdose and you save them with the shot, they’re not going to like you. They wanted to be high, they love that feeling. If you give them a shot against their will, they’re going to be upset, to say the least. It’s probably needed to give them another chance to get treatment, even if it is forced upon them.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, heroin usage is increasing fastest among women and individuals ages 18-25. The Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy adds that heroin is one of the most deadly abused substances in the state.