Rite Aid Pharmacies in New Hampshire to carry heroin overdose drug

New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Rite Aid signed a standing order Monday to stock naloxone, an emergency treatment drug for opiate overdoses.

Also known to consumers as Narcan, the life-saving drugs will be available for purchase over the counter from many Rite Aid pharmacy locations in the state of New Hampshire. The pharmacy chain will retain kits that include two doses of the Narcan, two atomizers and comprehensive instructions.

“Rite Aid takes the role we play in the health and well being of the communities it serves very seriously,” Rite Aid Regional Pharmacy Vice President for New Hampshire Eric Frazier said. “We are committed to helping to reduce the number of deaths caused by opioid overdose, and that’s why we are partnering with Governor Hassan and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to Narcan statewide.”

Earlier this year, Governor Maggie Hassan signed bipartisan legislation, granting doctors the ability to take preventive measures and prescribe Narcan to the families of those at risk of an overdose. Additionally, DHHS made 4,500 Narcan kits available at community health centers across the state and have trained many of the state’s firefighters, police officers and EMTs to administer Narcan.

“The heroin and opioid crisis is the most pressing public health and safety challenge facing our state, and while we work to support law enforcement and strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery efforts, we must also do everything that we can to save lives when an overdose takes place,” Governor Hassan said. “I thank Rite Aid for their leadership in working with the State to sign a standing order that makes Narcan available in their New Hampshire locations, and I encourage other pharmacies to follow Rite Aid’s example to help increase access to this life-saving emergency treatment.”