Albertson's trains almost 3,000 pharmacists to administer naloxone

Many states Albertson's operates in allow pharmacies to dispense Naxolone without prescription.
Many states Albertson's operates in allow pharmacies to dispense Naxolone without prescription. | File photo

Albertson’s Cos. have trained close to 3,000 pharmacists in administering naloxone to treat patients overdosing on opioids. 

This comes as more than half the states the company operates in passed legislation to allow pharmacies to dispense the drug without prescription.

Albertsons ' pharmacies under the banners ACME, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Carrs, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Tom Thumb and Vons can currently dispense Narcan in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

"An accidental heroin overdose ended my son Greg Humes' time on earth on May 19, 2012, months shy of his 25th birthday,” David Humes, a member of the board of directors for the national non-profit atTAcK addiction and volunteer with the national nonprofit Shatterproof, said. “I can't reverse the events that took place to bring Greg back, but I can encourage others to arm themselves with tools that can save future lives. If you know anyone who is struggling with opioids like prescription pain killers or heroin, they may be susceptible to an overdose. Having the opioid overdose reversal medication – naloxone — around can be critical in saving the life of that loved one."