Professional baseball player Davis Schneider has joined forces with Emergent BioSolutions to educate Canadians about the importance of being prepared with NARCAN Nasal Spray to reverse opioid overdoses. Schneider, who lost his brother Steven in 2020, shares his family's story as part of Emergent's Opioid Crisis Impact Map, an interactive platform highlighting lived experiences across the country.
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
Canada continues to face an opioid poisoning epidemic, with an average of 17 lives lost each day and more than 53,000 deaths since 2016. Despite being the deadliest drug epidemic in Canadian history, many are unaware that opioid poisoning deaths can potentially be prevented with NARCAN Nasal Spray and emergency medical intervention.
NARCAN Nasal Spray can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes. By carrying it or keeping it nearby, anyone can make a difference between life and loss.
Schneider's Personal Mission
Davis Schneider reflected on his brother's legacy: "Whether it was the patients he supported as a registered nurse or one of his many friends and loved ones, my older brother Steven brought a smile to everyone's face. He inspired me to be a good person. You might never know what someone else is going through, so it's important to be prepared."
Schneider encourages every person, parent, and family to be ready to help save a life in an opioid emergency.
Access and Availability
Since 2018, Emergent has delivered more than 100 million doses of NARCAN Nasal Spray across Canada and the U.S. It is available at no cost to residents of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon through provincial and territorial take-home naloxone programs. It is also covered by Veteran Affairs Canada, First Nations Health Authority, and Non-Insured Health Benefits. NARCAN Nasal Spray can be ordered online at www.OrderNARCAN.ca.
Paul Williams, senior vice president at Emergent, stated: "As the opioid poisoning crisis continues to impact communities across Canada, we're focused on breaking down stigma and improving access and awareness of NARCAN Nasal Spray. We're grateful to Davis for sharing Steven's story and empowering Canadians to be prepared to save a life."
For more information, visit NARCAN.ca.
