CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) — Narcan is a drug used to counteract an opioid overdose. Many first responders carry the drug, but it’s also becoming more available to those who need it.
Pharmacies will sell Narcan Nasal Spray without a prescription.
“There is some protocol with the Board of Pharmacy, but anyone who feels they’re at risk of overdosing or a family member can simply walk in and get it without a prescription,” said Chad Staughan, Pharmacist and owner of Tidelands Pharmacy in Mount Pleasant.
The cost is about $150, and your insurance may cover it.
Mike Bertin and Brittany Vannort are looking to distribute Narcan themselves. They’re leaders of The South Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition. They’re waiting for policies to pass that would allow them to distribute Narcan.
“Narcan does one thing– it reverses an opioid overdose. It does nothing else. So, to having it in the hands other than pharmaceutical people and doctors, why shouldn’t we?” said Bertin.
Within only about 5 months, the group has helped many people in the Charleston area find rehab for addiction.
“I think the biggest obstacle that we face is there’s such a focus on recovery right now, that there’s not a whole lot of focus on the ones that are currently using. They’re the ones who are dying,” said Vannort.
SCHRC is in the middle of a six month waiting period before they might be approved to distribute Narcan. They hope to get that approval in the fall.
“Once this law gets passed, we’re able to actually finally do something rather than talk about it.”
For more information about SCHRC, click here.