Senator recognized for work combating opioid overdoses
NOVI — Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren) today was named the Michigan Library Association Legislator of the Year at their annual conference that took place at the Suburban Collections Showplace in Novi.
Sen. Wojno won the award for his work on a bill package allowing trained individuals at government organizations — including libraries, life support agencies, municipal corporations and political subdivisions — to administer naloxone in the event an individual experiences an opioid overdose.
The senator was the primary sponsor of legislation that became Public Act 36 of 2019. The bipartisan package also included Public Acts 37, 38 and 39.
“I truly believe these laws will help save lives all over Michigan, especially in our public libraries, which are frequently used as safe spaces,” Sen. Wojno said. “The Michigan Library Association is on the frontlines of protecting and educating our communities every single day, and it’s an honor to be recognized by them.”
Macomb County has one of the highest rates of opioid addiction in the state, according to USA Today, and libraries have increasingly found themselves on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic. This legislation comes after Michigan also passed legislation to expand access to naloxone in 2016. Many organizations have partnered and are working together to address the continuing opioid crisis around the state.