COLUMBUS — The Ohio Board of Pharmacy announced Monday that 1,000 Ohio pharmacies in 79 counties now offer naloxone without a prescription. Naloxone (Narcan®) is a safe medication that can reverse an overdose caused by prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl. When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and can restore breathing in a matter of minutes.

These Crawford County pharmacies dispense Naloxone: Discount Drug Mart, 739 Carter Drive, Galion; CVS, 101 E. Charles St. Bucyrus, Kroger, 210 E. Mary St., Bucyrus.

“Increasing the availability of naloxone is essential in preventing fatal drug overdoses impacting our state,” said Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Steven W. Schierholt. “I am proud Ohio pharmacies have stepped up to offer this medication in their communities.”

To expand access to naloxone, Gov. John Kasich signed House Bill 4, sponsored by State Rep. Robert Sprague and Jeff Rezabek. This legislation allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription to an at-risk opioid user or a friend, family member or other individual who can intervene in the event of an overdose.

“Pharmacists are playing a key role in the fight against opioid addiction. The signing of House Bill 4, along with other legislation, has provided Ohioans with increased access to naloxone. Expanding this life-saving medication’s availability has resulted in thousands of lives being saved,” said Sprague. “Most recently, the governor signed the 911 Good Samaritan law. This law provides immunity for minor drug possession, when individuals seek emergency assistance for a drug overdose, and it helps link individuals with the treatment system. These policies help keep people alive, and when tied with other initiatives, they are a key part of the overall solution to the addiction epidemic.”

For a complete list of all pharmacies offering naloxone without a prescription, please visit: www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/stopoverdose.