ICYMI: KMBC: “Action in Congress could help combat fentanyl crisis”
Yesterday, KMBC Channel 9 reported on new action taken by Representative Sharice Davids to address the growing threat of fentanyl. In August, Davids hosted a summit with local, state, and federal law enforcement and yesterday, she spoke with KMBC's Emily Holwick about the actions she is taking in response to what she learned during that conversation.
Watch here on KMBC.
Read more in KMBC:
"Action in Washington, D.C. could help address the fentanyl crisis here in the Kansas City metro. KMBC 9 looked at the steps being taken and how one local police chief says it would help his department save lives.
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It's the number one cause of overdose deaths in the U.S., and in Kansas City, Kansas, the 28 fentanyl deaths this year have already surpassed all of last year. [KCK Police Chief Karl] Oakman says 24% of overdoses in KCK result in death.
That's why all officers are now carrying naloxone. With around 330 officers on the force, the cost adds up to more than $10,000 to have them each equipped. Each cartridge can only be used once.
Right now, KCKPD has their Narcan donated, but Oakman wants to ensure they'll continue to have enough supply.
‘We need more because depending on the individual, sometimes it takes more than one dose,' he said.
He and other Kansas law enforcement leaders shared that need at a summit with Kansas Representative Sharice Davids in August. Now, she's sending a letter to the House Appropriations Committee asking for more federal funding for naloxone.
‘The most effective thing I can do after those meetings is just to try to figure out ways to both raise awareness, get the resources where they need to be and make sure that people have the tools necessary to save lives,' Davids said.
She's also co-sponsoring two bills related to fentanyl. One would allow schools to use leftover COVID relief funds for naloxone, training and opioid education.
The other would enhance border security with new technology, like artificial intelligence and optical radar, to stop fentanyl from coming into the country.
[…]
From KCK to the Capitol, curbing the crisis is a collaborative effort.
‘We need the prevention, the education, and we need to work with other agencies that are better equipped to do that,' said Oakman.
‘I'm hoping that all of these efforts together will help save lives," said Davids, "in our area and across the country."'