In 2015, the state made naloxone available over the counter at pharmacies across the state, including Walgreens. The new initiative expands access to the drug among the state’s youth population in at-risk counties at no cost.
“Misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers continues to be a public health concern for Oklahomans of all ages,” said Jeff Dismukes, spokesman at the state mental health agency, according to the Oklahoman. “In 2013, Oklahoma’s age-adjusted overdose death rates were higher than the national average. Thirteen high-risk counties were identified in hopes that access to naloxone kits would decrease the number of prescription drug overdose deaths in the 19-and-under age group.”
In a 2010 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment, approximately 22 percent of high school seniors reported abusing prescription drugs.
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