Source: OhioMHAS NewsNow
On February 1, CVS Health announced during a press event at the University of Toledo that it would make the opioid overdose reversal medicine naloxone available without a prescription at all CVS Pharmacy locations across Ohio beginning in late March. Joining the company in making the announcement were White House National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, and Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp.
“Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses, and by expanding access to this medication in our Ohio pharmacies by the use of a physician’s standing order for patients without a prescription, we can help save lives,” said Tom Davis, RPh, vice president of pharmacy professional practices at CVS Pharmacy. “We support expanding naloxone availability and we applaud the state of Ohio for its leadership in the fight against drug abuse and addiction.”
CVS Health is also providing the opportunity for law enforcement agencies in Ohio to apply to receive a drug collection unit to help local communities safely dispose of unwanted medications, including controlled substances. Through the Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program, a joint effort of CVS Pharmacy and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, more than 20 drug disposal units donated across Ohio have collected more than 4,000 pounds of unwanted medications since September 2014. Nationwide, the program has donated more than 500 drug collection units and collected more than 28 metric tons of unwanted medications.