Rescue is the most important step, but sometimes it is only a first step.
The process of saving lives comes to mind in connection with Gov. Jay Nixon's enactment Tuesday of legislation to expand access to a substance that can reverse opioid overdoses.
The rapid rise of opioid overdoses - caused by both prescription painkillers and illegal drugs including heroin - has been well-documented.
Missouri recorded 1,067 drug overdose deaths in 2014, the most recent year for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has compiled state-level data, according to an Associated Press story in Wednesday's News Tribune.
The legislation expands accessibility to naloxone hydrochloride, a non-addictive opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of an opioid overdose. When the FDA-approved drug is administered in time, either by injection or nasal spray, it can reverse an opioid overdose and prevent the loss of life.
Specifically, the law establishes the procedure for prescribing and dispensing naloxone, legalizes possession of the substance and removes civil, criminal and professional liability for good faith use.
"While I am disappointed that the Legislature failed to pass a prescription drug monitoring program," Nixon said while signing the bill, "expanding access to naloxone is an important step forward that will save lives."
The important step, sadly, is not a preventative step.
Drug abuse and addiction are powerful shackles not easily broken, and we hope increased availability of naloxone doesn't magnify the false impression that any overdose can be reversed in a safe and timely manner.
Naloxone is a life-saving rescue remedy; it does not prevent drug abuse or prompt recovery.
The governor alluded to the Legislature's inaction on a prescription drug monitoring programs, designed to identify and assist potential opioid abusers.
We continue to urge our lawmakers to enact a monitoring program, not unlike similar programs approved by every other state legislatures.
In addition to prevention, we encourage continued recovery initiatives to help people regain productive, fulfilling and happy lives.