Kroger Pharmacies to Increase Access to Naloxone in Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR), Houston division, now offers the opioid overdose reversal medication NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 4mg at its 105 pharmacies in the region.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2,600 Texans died of a drug overdose in 2015," said Marlene Stewart, president of the Kroger Houston division. "Kroger wants to be a part of the solution to decrease these staggering statistics. By adding naloxone to our daily portfolio of healthcare products and services, our pharmacists have the opportunity to help save lives."

NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray delivers a 4mg concentrated dose of naloxone, which is simple, ready-to-use, and needle free. NARCAN® can be easily administered to someone who is actively overdosing on an opioid.   

Kroger partnered with the Texas Pharmacy Association, as a part of the Saving Lives Initiative, which created a physician-signed standing order that allows pharmacists to provide naloxone to patients or third-parties with connections to patients who may have a medical need. In 2016, Texas SB 1462 took effect, which allows authorized medical professionals to prescribe naloxone through a standing order.

"We're excited to partner with Kroger to help make this life-saving medication available to as many people as possible," said Joe DaSilva, CEO of the Texas Pharmacy Association.

Kroger pharmacists received specialized training and education as part of the program.    

"Our pharmacists have the knowledge to teach a patient or third party to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and properly handle and administer naloxone in the event of an overdose," said Marla Fielder, PharmD, RPh, director of pharmacy for the Kroger Houston division. "As the most accessible healthcare provider to the public, pharmacists are in a key position to expand access to naloxone."

Kroger is committed to keeping NARCAN® in stock in all of its pharmacies throughout Texas.

About the Kroger Houston Division 
Kroger operates 112 stores, 107 pharmacies and 81 fuel centers in Greater Houston, Southeast Texas, and Southwest Louisiana and is part of one of the world's largest grocery retailers serving customers in 35 states and the District of Columbia with 2,778 stores. For more than 125 years, Kroger has emphasized a customer-first approach to providing quality products, value pricing, outstanding service and an exceptional shopping experience. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the grocery retailer is dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves by supporting hunger relief, education, health and wellness, military families and diversity programs. Resulting from the retailer's philanthropic commitment, Forbes magazine lists Kroger as the most generous company in America. For more information about Kroger, download the free Kroger mobile app or connect on kroger.com, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About Texas Pharmacy Association
TPA is a member driven organization representing pharmacists and technicians practicing in all areas of pharmacy, including community, hospitals, long-term care facilities, education, manufacturing and distribution. TPA is an effective and strong voice for all Texas pharmacy professionals in advocacy, continuing education and practice innovation by empowering today's pharmacists to be effective health-care advisors.

CONTACTS:
Joy Partain
[email protected]
713-507-4809

Kristal Howard
[email protected]
713-507-6191

SOURCE Kroger

Related Links

https://www.kroger.com