To discuss the opioid epidemic, overdose prevention drugs, and more, The 21st was joined by a panel of healthcare and addiction treatment workers.

Donald Hutson is one of more than 430 inmates who have overdosed in state prisons since May 2017, according to internal data from the Missouri Department of Corrections. While there are many ways drugs are smuggled into prisons, DOC employees say internal corruption is a key part of the problem.

Earlier this month, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams issued an advisory. More Americans he said, should know how to use naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote, and carry it with them in case they encounter someone who has overdosed on heroin or other opioids. But actually getting a hold of naloxone can be difficult. Many pharmacies and local health departments don’t stock it, and not everyone can afford it.

A new law makes a drug that counteracts opioid overdose easier to get. But is that enough?

By mid-July, all deputies will carry vials of Narcan, or naloxone, which stops respiratory failure caused by heroin and other opioids.  They're partnering with Carle, which is paying for the vials with community funds.