Crapo, Shaheen Introduce New Bipartisan Legislation to Remove Barriers to Life-Saving Overdose Reversal Treatments for Veterans

Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) introduced new bipartisan legislation to help battle the ongoing substance use disorder crisis among our nation's veterans by removing barriers to life-saving overdose reversal agents. Substance use continues to be prevalent among veterans with 2.8 million, or 14 percent of all U.S. veterans, reporting having at least one substance use disorder in 2022. The bipartisan End Veterans Overdose Act would help save lives by making naloxone and any other relevant overdose reversal agents available without a prescription to veterans and their caregivers at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacies.

"Our obligation to veterans does not end when their service does," said Crapo. "Expanding direct access to naloxone at VA pharmacies recognizes the unique risks veterans face and ensures life-saving medication is available when it matters most."

"It is our duty to look out for those who bravely served our nation, and while we've made great strides towards ending the substance use epidemic, far too many veterans are still losing their lives due to overdoses. That is unacceptable, and it's imperative that we explore every avenue to make life-saving treatments more accessible at the VA," said Shaheen. "I'm proud that this bipartisan bill would fill a critical gap in the care that VA facilities can provide to veterans by making it easier for them and their caregivers to get treatments that rapidly reverse overdoses, like naloxone, at no cost."

Currently, VA pharmacies provide naloxone to veterans at no-cost, but they must first ask a provider for a prescription. The End Veterans Overdose Act would allow both veterans and their caregivers to obtain naloxone over the counter, without first having to get a prescription from a provider. The legislation has been endorsed by the American Legion.

A copy of the bill text can be found HERE.