Acme Boosts Access to Life-saving Narcan
Acme Markets now carries Narcan (naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray, the first and only FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray for the emergency treatment of opioid-, fentanyl- and heroin-related overdose, in all 10 of its pharmacies in Pennsylvania’s Delaware County. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), naloxone has saved 26,463 lives across the United States over the past 20 years. Each Acme pharmacy in the county now features a carton of Narcan.
“In Delaware County, heroin and opioid abuse is a serious health and public safety threat that is endangering lives and tearing families apart,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan. “We believe making Narcan Nasal spray available to first responders and police as well as families will continue to save lives and provide a chance for those suffering from addiction to get help.”
“The opioid and heroin epidemic cannot be ignored,” noted Danielle D’Elia, communications manager for Malvern Pa.-based Acme, a division of Albertsons. “By stocking Narcan Nasal Spray in our pharmacies, we hope to give our communities – the family, friends, loved ones and caregivers of those struggling with addiction – a tool that might help prevent the avoidable loss of a loved one.”
The CDC estimates that currently, 89 people die every day from an opioid-related overdose in the United States, and Pennsylvania has among the highest rates opioid-related abuse and overdose in the country.
“We want to empower our residents with lifesaving tools to help fight the battle that is going on across the country and in our own backyards,” observed Delaware County Councilman Dave White. “Our partnership with Acme is part of our larger efforts to help our community protect itself from losing another life. From schools, to police officers, to family members -- The Delaware County Heroin Task Force is working to identify ways for medications like Narcan Nasal Spray to be available to anyone at any time.”
In October 2015, the state of Pennsylvania issued a standing order providing the entire state with prescription access to naloxone products at participating pharmacy locations. Co-pay costs will vary according to Medicaid and insurance plans.
“Acme is the first retail chain to make the choice to consistently stock a naloxone product in all of their pharmacies,” said Thom Duddy, executive director at Radnor, Pa.-based Adapt Pharma, which offers Narcan. “Their partnership with Delaware County to roll out locally first is a milestone in improving access to ready-to-use naloxone products, like Narcan Nasal Spray, across our communities.”
Acme operates 178 stores, including Sav-On Pharmacies at select locations, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland, employing nearly 20,000 associates.