Full Press Release Details
Despite the recently reported national decline in opioid overdose deaths, many U.S. communities, including New Orleans, continue to see an increase in accidental drug-related deaths year over year
The ‘Lay, Spray, Stay’ opioid overdose educational video featuring Smith and how to use NARCAN® Nasal Spray will appear on local taxi television screens throughout the city
Hundreds of NARCAN® Nasal Spray cartons will be given away to people in New Orleans throughout the weekend
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) announced today that it is raising awareness of the Ready to Rescue initiative in New Orleans with pro football legend and NARCAN® Nasal Spray spokesperson, Emmitt Smith, as the city welcomes an anticipated 83,000 fans for the Big Game. For the past two years, Smith has traveled the country sharing his personal connection to the opioid epidemic to help reduce the stigma around accidental opioid poisonings and educate communities on how to save a life with NARCAN® Nasal Spray. Now, as New Orleans gears up to host one of the biggest events of the year, Emergent and Smith will continue these efforts to ensure the city is prepared to act in an opioid emergency, which can happen anytime, anywhere and to anyone.
Recent data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a national reduction in opioid overdose deaths for the first time in five years.i Despite this overall decline, there is still more work to be done as many U.S. communities continue to see an increase in accidental drug-related deaths year over year – including New Orleans.ii In fact, in 2022, there were still nearly twice as many drug-related overdose deaths as homicides in New Orleans.iii For these reasons, increased access to education on opioid overdose risks and NARCAN® Nasal Spray is critical.
That’s why Emergent’s public education campaign with Smith explaining how to administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray using three simple steps – Lay, Spray, Stay – will be displayed via taxi television screens throughout the city leading up to Sunday’s game. Smith will also be speaking to national and local media onsite to highlight how this life-saving medication can reverse the effects of an opioid poisoning in minutes and is available over the counter giving everyone the power to save a life.
“All eyes will be on New Orleans this weekend and as part of our ongoing efforts to educate the masses on opioid emergency preparedness, we hope to use this key cultural moment as a way to encourage more conversation about the realities of opioid poisonings and how tools like NARCAN® Nasal Spray can save lives,” said Paul Williams, SVP and products business head, Emergent. “We remain committed to helping to stem the tide of opioid overdose deaths, and believe over the counter access to NARCAN® Nasal Spray and our work with government, advocacy, businesses and retail partners are paramount to keeping communities safer and ready to rescue.”
Learn more about how you can access NARCAN® Nasal Spray and be prepared to save a life at NARCAN.com.
Emmitt Smith is a paid spokesperson for Emergent.
About NARCAN® Nasal Spray
NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone product for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Repeat dosing may be necessary. Use as directed.
About Emergent BioSolutions
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Vice President, Communications
i U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018
ii 2023 Coroner's Report on Accidental Drug-Related Deaths in New Orleans | Orleans Coroner
iii 2023 Annual Opioid Report