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More than 80,000 of the 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One study found that bystanders were present in more than one in three overdoses involving opioids. With the right tools, like naloxone, bystanders can act to prevent overdose deaths.

Often referred to as Narcan, naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids like fentanyl and heroin. An injectable form is now available at the RiverView Pharmacy without a prescription and is free to the public. A nasal spray is available by prescription at the patient’s expense.

Naloxone can reverse an overdose in as little as two to five minutes. It is safe and easy to use with little to no adverse effects, even when administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life.

Naloxone Access Point

The RiverView Pharmacy is now a Naloxone Access Point (NAP), designated through the Steve Rummier HOPE Network (SRHN), shared Brian Erickson, PharmD, RiverView Pharmacy director. “It is through this partnership that we have the opportunity to expand access to education, reduce the stigma of the disease of addiction, and save lives.’’

In 1996, Steve Rummier suffered a severe spine injury. He was prescribed extended-release opioids to manage the pain. With high dosages and multiple prescribing doctors, Rummier developed opioid use disorder. He was in and out of treatment and battled with addiction until 2011. Unable to get more prescribed opioids, he sought heroin. He died that night, July 1, 2011, from an accidental overdose. Rummier’s loved ones created SRHN in his memory.

The mission of the SRHN is to heighten awareness of the opioid crisis, address its impact on the physical and emotional burdens of addiction and chronic pain, and improve the associated care processes.

“The growth of SRHN will have a profound impact on the safety and wellbeing of Minnesotans all over the state - particularly those in areas with service gaps and high risk of overdose,’’ Erickson stated. “With every individual trained and every naloxone kit distributed, we are one step closer to ending this health crisis.’’

SRHN was originally a grant-funded pilot program supported by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Today, it operates as a nonprofit. SRHN also advocates for public policies that improve care for individuals with chronic pain and substance use disorders.

More than Medication

As a registered NAP, naloxone kits and fentanyl testing strips are available at the RiverView Pharmacy. The kits include QR codes that link to training and support resources. The training course covers how to recognize an opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone, and how to store the kit safely. Erickson reported that naloxone has a shelf life of 12-18 months. In addition, Erickson noted that RiverView Pharmacy sells syringes without a prescription in accordance with state laws.

If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose, the CDC recommends you should carry naloxone and keep it at home. Eighty percent of overdose deaths occur inside a home. It’s also recommended people who are taking high-dose opioid medications (greater or equal to 50 morphine milligram equivalents per day) prescribed by a doctor, people who use opioids and benzodiazepines (depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis like Valium and Xanax) together, and people who use illicit opioids like heroin should all carry naloxone. Because you cannot use naloxone on yourself, let others know you have it in case you experience an opioid overdose.

The RiverView Pharmacy is open weekdays from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm and weekends from 9 am to 3:30 pm (closed from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm). For more information, call 281.9420.

RiverView Recovery Center also offers addiction services in Crookston, East Grand Forks, Thief River Falls, Roseau, and through telehealth. Click here for more information or call 281.9511