Idaho Fred Meyer to Start Carrying Anti-Overdose drug

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A pilot project underway in Washington state has increased access to a drug that can counteract the effects of an overdose of opiates and the program is expected to expand in Idaho.

KTOO-FM reports Fred Meyer pharmacies are providing customers in Washington with naloxone without requiring a prescription for the drug. The project started at some Washington stores in October and It will extend to Idaho in February.

Representatives of the company say the program could extend to pharmacies in Alaska by this summer. That move depends on the outcome of Alaska's Senate Bill 23, which would provide protections for those who purchase naloxone from a licensed pharmacist and administer the drug to someone who has overdosed.