Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) is ramping up its opioid overdose education efforts across North America in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.
The company is targeting college campuses across the United States this autumn through its Ready to Rescue campaign, which returns with Release Recovery Founder and CEO Zac Clark.
In Canada, Emergent has partnered with professional baseball player Davis Schneider to raise awareness of opioid poisoning preparedness and the importance of naloxone access.
The World Health Organization has linked opioids to nearly 80 percent of drug-related deaths worldwide, underscoring the scale of the public health challenge facing governments and communities globally.
Paul Williams, senior vice president and head of products business, global government and public affairs at Emergent BioSolutions, said: “Today is a reminder of the lives lost to opioid overdoses and serves as a key moment to stand with the families, friends and communities affected by this ongoing public health crisis.”
Williams added: “By expanding access, awareness and availability to NARCAN Nasal Spray 4 mg and KLOXXADO Nasal Spray 8 mg we can help more people recognize an opioid emergency and be prepared to act when every second counts.”
Zac Clark, whose own experience with opioid dependency informs his advocacy work, said: “Opioid overdose emergencies do not discriminate,” and expressed pride in the Ready to Rescue campaign’s continued outreach to students, faculty and staff.
Clark said the campus-focused initiative aims to “empower the next generation to carry NARCAN Nasal Spray and be prepared to help save a life,” with events encouraging open conversation about overdose risks and response.
NARCAN Nasal Spray became the first U.S. FDA-approved over-the-counter naloxone product in 2023, the same year the United States recorded its first of three consecutive annual declines in opioid overdose deaths.
Canada continues to face a severe crisis, with an average of 15 lives lost each day to opioid poisonings and more than 53,000 deaths recorded nationwide since 2016, making expanded access to naloxone critically urgent.
Davis Schneider, reflecting on the personal loss that drives his advocacy, said: “As a registered nurse, brother and friend, he always showed up for others with compassion,” referring to a family member lost to an opioid overdose.
Schneider said he is “honored to partner with Emergent to raise awareness of opioid emergency preparedness and the importance of carrying NARCAN Nasal Spray” as part of the Canadian campaign.
Emergent also announced a standing offer awarded by the Government of Canada through a competitive procurement process to supply NARCAN Nasal Spray to public sector organisations across the country.
The standing offer runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029, with an option to extend for a further two years, giving federal departments, agencies, provinces, and territories access to overdose reversal medication through individual call-ups.
The agreement represents a significant step in ensuring timely, nationwide access to life-saving medication as both governments and communities work to reduce preventable opioid deaths.