June 15, 2017


Starting June 1, 2017 anyone can get naloxone at a Maryland pharmacy without a prescription. Naloxone is a  safe and easy to use  medication t hat reverses an opioid overdose.   

On May 25, 2017, Governor Hogan signed into law the Heroin and Opioid Prevention Effort (HOPE) and Treatment Act of 2017, which simplifies the process for obtaining naloxone from a pharmacy. As authorized by this law, the new standing order allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to anyone regardless of whether the person has previously  received any training in opioid overdose response.    

This statewide standing order is an important step to break down barriers to naloxone access  and prevent overdose deaths . Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB) applauds this standing orde r and encourages everyone to carry  naloxone.    If you would like t o learn more about naloxone in Baltimore visit  dontdie.org .  
 
Here is what you need to know about the standing order:  
  • Anyone can get naloxone from a Maryland pharmacy without a prescription. There is no longer a need to be trained and certified.  
  • You need to go to the pharmacist to obtain naloxone, it won't be on the retail shelf with "over the counter" medications.  
  • The price of naloxone will vary depending on your insurance. Naloxone is covered by Maryland Medicaid. If you don't have insurance ask the pharmacist about any discounts or coupons.  
If you would like to learn more about the statewide Standing Order visit the  Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) website.   
 
With all our best,
The BHSB Team 
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