Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Sept. 18, 2025
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Over-the-Counter Naloxone Sales Are Limited
In September 2023, naloxone--a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses--became available over the counter for the first time. The FDA's approval of OTC naloxone (sold under the name Narcan and other brands) was intended to increase access to this life-saving treatment.
But a new RAND study finds that OTC naloxone sales were limited: Sales peaked during the first month, then declined rapidly before stabilizing until August 2024, when there was a small increase. Even at their highest, OTC sales of naloxone were only 7.5 percent compared with prescription sales.
This suggests that making naloxone available over the counter hasn't closed the gaps left by prescription and distribution programs. "It's likely that the relatively high cost of over-the-counter naloxone has contributed to the limited sales," says lead author Bradley Stein. The average cost for a two-pack of naloxone nasal spray? Nearly $45.
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How Political Polarization Weakens Taiwan
As threats from China intensify, some worry that Taiwan lacks a strong "will to fight." But RAND's Raymond Kuo and Catherine Kish argue that Taiwan's real problem is political polarization. Without cross-party support for civil defense, they warn, Taiwan's mobilization planning and resilience-building efforts face significant headwinds. The United States has "unique leverage" to help: "Even modest U.S. statements, cooperative efforts, and policy shifts can yield outsized effects."
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Keeping L.A. Renters Cool During Extreme Heat
Los Angeles landlords will soon be required to ensure that all habitable rooms in a rental property can stay at or below 82 degrees. This is a positive step toward keeping L.A. renters safe during dangerous heat waves, say RAND's Sophia Charan and Hye Min Park. However, more action could be taken. For instance, strategies such as improved insulation, better windows, and "zone cooling" can be more effective and efficient than just turning up the AC.
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** RAND Recommends
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- In the New York Times, RAND's Shira Efron says that any progress toward a ceasefire or truce between Israel and Hamas will require flexibility.
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- Air & Space Forces Magazine highlights the legacy of RAND's Natalie Crawford, whose analysis helped shape U.S. Air Force modernization for decades. Crawford passed away last week at the age of 86.
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- Experts discuss Germany's leadership in supporting Ukraine and how Berlin might play a larger role in European security.
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** Events
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Can Europe Deter Russia?
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 (Online)
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RAND Europe Foresight Forum
Monday, October 13, 2025 (London)
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The State of Apprenticeship in West Virginia
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 (Online)
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China's Economic Future
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (London)
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An Examination of Migration in Afghanistan
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 (Online)
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The 'Big Shift' from Hospitals to Communities
Thursday, November 6, 2025 (Online)
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** Policy Minded, RAND's Flagship Podcast
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On Policy Minded, we pick the brains of the world's top policy experts. In each episode, RAND researchers join us for conversations that go beyond the headlines--bringing you insights you can't find anywhere else.
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