LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 26, 2015) – The St. Mary’s County Health Officer, Dr. Meena Brewster, has issued a standing order to pharmacies in St. Mary’s County for dispensing naloxone. Under this order, pharmacies are now able to issue naloxone to individuals trained through the Maryland Overdose Response Program (ORP) without requiring a personal prescription from a health care provider. This standing order allows ORP-trained individuals to take their training certificate to a community pharmacy to purchase naloxone without first having to get a prescription from a health care provider. Individuals should check with their health insurance plan about the cost of the medication.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can safely and effectively reverse an opioid overdose and prevent death. Opioids include heroin and certain prescription medications such as hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone. Naloxone is not a controlled substance.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department offers free classes for residents who want to learn more about recognizing opioid overdoses and how to administer naloxone to save lives. Individuals that complete the training receive an ORP certificate that allows them to lawfully carry and administer naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Over 240 individuals have been trained through the ORP in St. Mary’s County this year, already resulting in several lives saved in our community. The ORP class is free; however, pre-registration is required. The 2016 class schedule and more information about the ORP is available at www.smchd.org/overdose
For more information about the Overdose Response Program in St. Mary’s County, please visit the St. Mary’s County Health Department website at www.smchd.org/overdose or call 301-475-4330.
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