Pharmacies in Airdrie are now offering the take home naloxone kit free of charge with a prescription.

Naloxone is used to temporarily reverse an overdose of fentanyl or other opioids, allowing an individual to seek emergency medical attention.

The kit includes two units of naloxone, two syringes, two alcohol swabs, two latex gloves, a one-way breathing mask and instructions.

Within the province, almost 300 pharmacies have signed on to provide take-home naloxone kits, while approximately 1,100 pharmacies in Alberta are eligible to participate in this voluntary program.

In a press release, Jimy Mathews, President of Alberta Pharmacists' Association shared how important pharmacists are in Alberta's Health Care system.

"Alberta's pharmacists play a vital role in health care in our province and are well-positioned to provide take-home naloxone kits to Albertans who are at risk. Our members know very well how dangerous illicit fentanyl is, and how important it is that people have immediate access to naloxone."

Last year there were 272 overdose deaths due to fentanyl use in Alberta, up from 120 in 2014.

There are currently 44 walk-in clinics in Alberta who are providing the prescription for the kit, to view the list click here.

Leah Crawford - airdrienews@goldenwestradio.com