A newly enacted law expands access to naloxone, a drug that can reverse some opioid overdoses in certain emergency situations. The law allows Alabama pharmacists to dispense the medication to people in a position to assist others at risk of an overdose as well as to an individual at risk of experiencing an opiate-related overdose.

Mark Jackson, executive director of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, said that expanding access to the medication would put a powerful life-saving tool in the hands of first responders and save time when lives could be at stake.

"The Association applauds the members of the Legislature and Governor Bentley for recognizing the importance of significantly expanding access to naloxone," Jackson said. "This new law will not only save lives but also help curb drug abuse and heroin deaths in our state."

Naloxone poses no danger to individuals who come into contact with it, and it has no potential for abuse. It is effective only if a person has opioids in his or her system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent.