A drug used to combat opioid overdoses will be more readily available in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is releasing a standing order for naloxone...commonly known as narcan.
Previously, a prescription was needed, but under the order... public health spokesperson Melaney Arnold says trained pharmacists will now be able to dispense the lifesaving drug.
The order will also let law enforcement agencies, drug treatment programs, local health departments and other community groups dispense the drug.
An estimated 1,900 people die from opioid overdoses each year in Illinois.
