Summary/Abstract

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --Governor LePage's office confirmed Wednesday that he will now support a proposal to widen access to the heroin antidote drug, Narcan. This comes after an NBC News story that featured Gov. LePage.

Content

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Governor LePage's office confirmed Wednesday that he will now support a proposal to widen access to the heroin antidote drug, Narcan. This comes after an NBC News story that featured Gov. LePage.

Hospitals and paramedics currently use the drug, also known as Naxlonone. It can reverse the effect of a heroin overdose. There's currently a bill in the Maine Legislature to expand the availability to police, firefighters and, by prescription, to families.

Supporters point out that Narcan can saves lives. Gov. LePage opposed the bill until Wednesday morning, and NBC News has featured some of his comments against the drug. Gov. LePage had said it gave drug users a crutch. The governor's press office said the change came after the Governor spoke with a legislator who shared some personal stories about the impact of addiction and the potential for the drug to save lives.

Life-saving heroin antidote makes its way to more families (NBC News)