A lifesaving drug that could curb the opioid crisis

Forty-seven thousand people in the United States died of opioid-related overdoses in 2017, making ODs as deadly as auto accidents... [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 18 October 2019 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair [Catesby Holmes] A note from... Catesby Holmes Global Affairs Editor Forty-seven thousand people in the United States died of opioid-related overdoses in 2017, making ODs as deadly as auto accidents. That figure would be much lower if more people received naloxone, a lifesaving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Unfortunately, budgetary concerns and myths about naloxone have limited the drug’s availability, and thus its ability to help curb the opioid crisis. But naloxone is safe, non-addictive and, according to a new study from the University of Michigan, extremely cost-effective. Study authors Tarlise Townsend and Frieda Blostein [argue for widespread distribution of naloxone]( because “the true first responders to an overdose are often the friends, family and peers of people who use heroin and other opioids.” Also today: - [Why Chicago’s teachers are on strike]( - [The timeless faith of Mister Rogers]( - [The promises and perils of blockchain voting]( Top story Naloxone, available as a nasal spray called Narcan or in injectable form, resuscitates 100% of people who overdose if administered quickly. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky [This overdose-reversal medicine could reduce opioid deaths – so why don’t more people carry it?]( Tarlise Townsend, University of Michigan; Freida Blostein, University of Michigan Opioid overdoses killed 47,000 Americans in 2017 — more than gun violence. Many fewer would have died if they'd been treated with the life-saving drug naloxone, also called Narcan. Education - [The Chicago teachers’ strike isn’t just about kids – it’s about union power too]( Bradley D. Marianno, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Katharine O. Strunk, Michigan State University Teachers' unions often say they go on strike to improve conditions for students. A closer look at recent walkouts suggests they are also fighting for something else: membership. - [Here’s what’s missing in efforts to curb heavy drinking and hazing on campus]( Adam M. McCready, University of Connecticut Colleges and universities have banned fraternities from campus to stave off problem drinking and hazing incidents. But a researcher says those problems are deeper than any campus ban can solve. Ethics + Religion - [Pope affirms Catholic Church’s duty to indigenous Amazonians hurt by climate change]( Vincent J. Miller, University of Dayton Hundreds of bishops, priests, missionaries and tribal leaders are at the Vatican for the Synod of the Amazon, a three-week meeting focused on the environmental crisis threatening Amazonian peoples. - [How Mister Rogers’ faith shaped his idea of children’s television]( L. Benjamin Rolsky, Monmouth University A new film on beloved children's television icon Fred Rogers hits theaters next month. Rogers' moral values contributed to the power and appeal of his neighborhood. Politics + Society - [Blockchain voting is vulnerable to hackers, software glitches and bad ID photos – among other problems]( Nir Kshetri, University of North Carolina – Greensboro Blockchain technology can address some weaknesses in voting systems, but not all of them – and it opens new potential vulnerabilities, too. Health + Medicine - [Where is my Xanax Rx? Why your doctor may be concerned about prescribing benzodiazepines]( Arash Javanbakht, Wayne State University Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are some of the most widely prescribed drugs in the US. They are meant to be used only short-term, but thousands use them long-term. That's a big worry. Economy + Business - [Trump is flouting global trade rules with China yet embracing them with the EU – here’s why it matters]( Charles Hankla, Georgia State University The Trump administration's tendency to follow rules only if they're in its interest could end up hurting the US in the long run. From our international editions - [Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal: what’s in it and how is it different to Theresa May’s version?]( Simon Usherwood, University of Surrey The prime minister has come to a new agreement with Brussels. But the question is whether he can get it through the UK parliament. - [Lab-grown mini brains shed light on how humans split from great apes]( Silvia Benito Kwiecinski, University of Cambridge What makes us human? Scientists are starting to work out the specific evolutionary genetic changes that enabled the large and complex brains of humans. - [Why white married women are more likely to vote for conservative parties]( Leah Ruppanner, University of Melbourne; Christopher Stout, Oregon State University; Gosia Mikolajczak, University of Melbourne; Kelsy Kretschmer, Oregon State University Women are swinging elections in the US and Australia in ways analysts have struggled to predict. Two recent studies can help explain. Today’s quote [The Vatican sees that the Amazon's traditional residents know something much of humanity has long forgotten: how to live in ecological harmony with the environment.]( [Pope affirms Catholic Church's duty to indigenous Amazonians hurt by climate change]( Vincent J. Miller University of Dayton [Vincent J. Miller] [Forward this email to your friends]( Ask them to sign up at [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111