Access to free prescription medication for opioid overdoses will be expanded for area residents this week.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Iowa Board of Pharmacy, and Iowa Pharmacy Association are sponsoring a statewide Narcan Access Day this Friday. This will offer Narcan, or naloxone, a nasal spray that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose to those who are concerned about or personally use opioids. It is not a cure for an opioid overdose, but it buys time until emergency medical treatment is available. IDPH purchased about 2,000 two-pack Narcan kits using federal grant funding. Limited quantities of free Narcan kits will be available at the Washington Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Washington Walmart Pharmacy, and the Pharmacy on 8th in Wellman. For more information on opioid overdoses, visit here.