Leaders with the national pharmacy chain CVS said today at an event in Toledo that they will make the opioid reversal medicine, naloxone, available without a prescription at their pharmacies in Ohio.

“We support expanding naloxone availability and we applaud the State of OH for its leadership in the fight against drug abuse and addiction”, stated Tom Davis, VP pharmacy professional practices CVS/pharmacy.

Naloxone quickly reverses the effects of an overdose of heroin or other opioid drugs and US law enforcement officials have embraced its use in the midst of an increase in opioid abuse.

While emergency responders carry naloxone, placing the antidote in the hands of the general public allows for quicker treatment of a loved one or close friend subject to severe, irreversible damage or even death caused by opioid overdose. CVS Health is contributing by making the overdose reversal drug available in all its pharmacies across OH without a prescription.

It’s easy for Ohioans to get opioids so the same, if not better, level of access should be afforded to life-saving medication, said Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said. Since September 2014, the Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program-a joint effort of CVS Pharmacy and The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids-more than 20 drug disposal units in the state have collected more than 4,000 pounds of unwanted medications.

He calls it an fantastic drug that’s been around for a long time. School administrators in OH can learn more about this opportunity and request to participate in the program by emailing ProfessionalPracticeRetail@cvscaremark.com.

Alongside Ohio, Wisconsin, Utah, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, New York, New Jersey, Montana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Indiana, California and Arkansas are also offering access to naloxone without a prescription.

“We’ve already saved well over 100 people in the previous year and a half with naloxone”.