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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles City Council agreed today to explore expanding and requiring naloxone training and distribution for staff and contracted organizations with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and city departments that come into contact with unhoused people.
Naloxone is a medicine that helps reverse opioid overdoses.
``As we build more shelter beds, we cannot ignore the overdose crisis that is the fatal outcome for people experiencing homelessness that need overdose prevention resources and access to treatment beds,'' Councilman Gil Cedillo, who introduced the motion, said in a statement. ``I am pleased that this urgent motion passed to ensure homeless service staff and facilities and city personnel have the training and resources to help prevent an overdose and lean in with the weight of the city to support legislation to reduce barriers and increase access to treatment.''
The motion instructs LAHSA to identify and report on staff and contractors who have received naloxone training. The report will also include opportunities to expand and require training and distribution to all contracted street-based services and shelter sites.
The chief legislative analyst was also directed to report on all city departments that have contact with or provide services to unhoused people and indicate if the department provides employees with naloxone training and distribution.
The city administrative officer will report on current and upcoming county, state and federal legislation that could increase substance abuse treatment access and reduce barriers for people who are unhoused.