At the APhA2015 APhA–ASP House of Delegates in March, the Academy passed Resolution 2015.4 Increased Access to Opioid Reversal Agents. The resolution includes the following:


1. APhA–ASP supports state and federal legislation to increase access to opioid reversal agents.

2. APhA–ASP encourages pharmacists and student pharmacists to provide public education about opioid reversal agents, including proper administration in situations of opioid-related drug overdose.


Since 1996, it is estimated that through community-based naloxone (Narcan) programs, more than 26,000 lives have been saved. The account featured here is from one such patient. The following excerpt, from the blog post “Overdose!,” was published anonymously by the Harm Reduction Coalition at www.hrc.org and is reprinted with permission. We are reprinting this to share the impact that these programs have for the beneficiaries of this life-saving medication

I am a scientist. Even when I was a little girl, I always preferred science and math. In fact, I asked Santa Claus for a microscope for Christmas when I was only 8 years old. Other school subjects such as history and English did not garner my attention like molecules and math. I could not see how politics and policy could affect my everyday life. However, in pharmacy school, I found my passion for policy.

On the plains of North Dakota, it is well known the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to harvest crops on frozen, unrelenting soil. Looking back at this past year, it is clear that North Dakota pharmacists not only know a thing or two about medication management, but also about sowing the seeds for future pharmacy practice. 


Pharmacy practice in North Dakota has always had a unique presence in the country. The Pharmacy Ownership Law in North Dakota states that a pharmacy must be 51% owned by a pharmacist or group of pharmacists. This unique practice climate has thrust North Dakota pharmacy into the legislative spotlight numerous times. It is no surprise that during this past year, the profession has made great strides in implementing progressive laws.