There has been a few changes to pharmacies across New York State that have taken place since your last visit. As we are coming out of the worst pandemic in the United States and across the globe, health officials are still trying to save lives on another front.

While the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us, there is still a battle raging against opioids and the fatal affects of overdoses.

According to reports, pharmacies in New York State will make naloxone available. Starting today, naloxone can be dispensed at pharmacies in New York without a prescription under an order issued by state Health Commissioner Doctor Mary Bassett. Naloxone is used to block the effects of opioids and helps a person regain consciousness and resume regular breathing if they've overdosed.

If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, you can get help by calling 1-877-846-7369. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Naloxone is very effective when saving lives.

Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.

If you know speak with those in law enforcement or the medical field, they most likely have many stories about the increase in overdoses over the last several years. From the cities to the suburbs, the rise in the rate of opioid overdoses has been both shocking and scary and can impact any demographic.

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