Overdose Prevention

Overdoses Can Be Prevented

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in deaths resulting from heroin and prescription opioids. This epidemic has spread across Pennsylvania, as currently one in four families struggle with a substance abuse problem.

The Office of Public Health (OPH) is addressing this epidemic head-on. This page offers information for residents, pharmacies, first responders and healthcare professionals who can help us confront this public health crisis.

Pharmacies & Naloxone Access

On October 15, 2015, OPH's Interim Medical Director Dr. Valerie. A. Arkoosh, at the time, issued a county-wide standing order, citing PA ACT 139, allowing licensed pharmacies (which choose to participate) to dispense naloxone to individuals at risk of a heroin or opioid-related overdose, or those who may witness one. ACT 139 provides access to an opioid overdose reversal medicine that can save lives and hopefully lead an individual toward the substance abuse treatment they need.

As pharmacies agree to participate and sign current Medical Director, Dr. Lorraine's standing order, each participating pharmacy will be listed here - List of Participating Pharmacies

Drug Disposal Program

In 2010, the District Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Montgomery County Police Chiefs Association established the Drug Disposal Program to help County residents safely dispose of prescription and over-the-county medications, while keeping them out of our landfills and water supply. Nearly 50 police departments as well as several medical facilities and the County Courthouse have MedReturn boxes, where the public can easily and conveniently dispose of their unused, unwanted and expired medications at no cost. Since the program began, more than 114,000 pounds of unwanted medicines have been collected and safely destroyed.