CVS announced Naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of heroin overdoses, will be available in its Florida stores starting in July.
"People that are abusing drugs, and opiates and other narcotics, do sometimes deserve a second chance," said Brandon Short, a psychiatrist at White Sands treatment center in Ft. Myers. "I do think it is going to be a good thing to make available for the public."
EMS, and medical professionals carry Naloxone in a small plastic dispenser. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office became the first police agency in the state to equip their deputies with the drug, should they be first on scene to an overdose situation.
"Increased access to Narcan is reducing death rates, and mortality rates, and that's the bottom line," said Nancy Dauphinais, of the David Lawrence Center in Naples.
Naloxone can cause rapid heart beat or heart damage in people with cardiac issues.
It also may not be as effective if it isn't administered as soon as possible.
"The sooner the better, to reduce the risk of death or damage to the brain, lack of oxygen, respiratory distress," said Dauphinais.
Heroin use in Collier County spiked a few years ago, as the state cracked down on "pill mills" and those addicted to prescription drugs, turned to opiates.
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