NYPD officers will soon carry heroin antidote

NYPD officers will soon be armed with the heroin antidote naloxone.

WNBC reports: "Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced today that his office is providing the department with $1.17 million that will pay for nearly 20,000 naloxone kits." (Via WNBC)

That means roughly 56 percent of NYPD officers will be equipped with the drug. The NYPD commissioner points out the ironic way the state is footing the bill.

According to WPIX, "Money that was raised through the illegal sale of drugs is now being used to save lives of those afflicted with drug addiction." (Via WPIX)

When a person overdoses on heroin, he or she stops breathing. But naloxone counteracts that.

​WNYW reported "Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says when police encoutner someone who has overdosed on heroin or prescription opioid​ pills, they can spray the naloxone into the person's nose and save their life." (Via WNYW)

WPIX says another New York county had overwhelming success with its naloxone pilot program last year.

"Last year, Suffolk County cops were able to save 563 lives with those kits."

The NYPD will not be the only police department receiving the drug. A news release from the state attorney general's office says roughly 25,000 kits, at $60 a pop, will be distributed to 150 other departments across New York state.

Another pilot program using the drug has saved five lives in Staten Island. The NYPD joins the city's Metropolitan Transportation Authority officers in carrying the antidote.