title: The pharmacist role in the development and implementation of a naloxone prescription program in Alabama.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this report is to describe the development and implementation of a pharmacist-led naloxone-training and prescription service at a county health department.
  
  
  METHODS
  Jefferson County Department of Health, Birmingham, Alabama.
  
  
  METHODS
  This service was developed in response to the overwhelming heroin and opioid epidemic that is currently affecting the entire nation and which is highly prevalent in the state of Alabama. Because of this epidemic, new state laws have been established regarding prescriptive authority, liability, and possession of naloxone.
  
  
  METHODS
  Through a collaborative protocol, pharmacists at the Jefferson County Department of Health were responsible for prescribing and educating the public about naloxone.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between 2014 and 2015 the Jefferson County Coroner reported a 131% increase in opioid prescription-related deaths indicating the continued need for the naloxone prescription program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 83 clients were trained and 150 naloxone kits were distributed among heroin and opioid users, concerned family members or friends, and those who work closely with users.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This service and its extending arms were developed in response to the need for naloxone education among heroin and opioid users, their family members, civil servants who work with users, and family practice physicians who prescribe opioids.
authors.forename: Jordan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wulz
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: B DeeAnn
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Dugan
authors.forename: Terri M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Wensel
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lander
authors.forename: Bryn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Manzella
mesh_terms: D000407:Alabama; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024382:Professional Role; D016730:Program Development
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone