The pharmacist role in the development and implementation of a naloxone prescription program in Alabama.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe the development and implementation of a pharmacist-led naloxone-training and prescription service at a county health department.

SETTING: Jefferson County Department of Health, Birmingham, Alabama.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: This service was developed in response to the overwhelming heroin and opioid epidemic that is currently affecting the entire nation and which is highly prevalent in the state of Alabama. Because of this epidemic, new state laws have been established regarding prescriptive authority, liability, and possession of naloxone.

PRACTICE INNOVATION: Through a collaborative protocol, pharmacists at the Jefferson County Department of Health were responsible for prescribing and educating the public about naloxone.

EVALUATION: Between 2014 and 2015 the Jefferson County Coroner reported a 131% increase in opioid prescription-related deaths indicating the continued need for the naloxone prescription program.

RESULTS: In total, 83 clients were trained and 150 naloxone kits were distributed among heroin and opioid users, concerned family members or friends, and those who work closely with users.

CONCLUSION: This service and its extending arms were developed in response to the need for naloxone education among heroin and opioid users, their family members, civil servants who work with users, and family practice physicians who prescribe opioids.