As part of Iowa’s multi-pronged effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths, Iowa HHS has used federal grant funding to make naloxone nasal spray available at no cost throughout the state. Naloxone is a medication that can help reverse an opioid overdose, and pharmacy participation has been an important part of expanding access to this life-saving medication for Iowans.

 

Beginning June 1, 2026, Iowa HHS will transition the current naloxone pharmacy distribution program facilitated by MedOne, to the Narcan Direct program. This transition will help strengthen access to naloxone by allowing participating pharmacies to receive direct shipments of naloxone paid for by Iowa HHS and continue providing it to customers and community members at no cost.

 

Participating pharmacies will need to register as a distributor here in order to receive direct shipment of naloxone that is paid for by Iowa HHS. This will allow them to continue providing this medicine to customers and community members free of charge. Iowa HHS greatly appreciates the role pharmacies have played in making naloxone more available across the state. This approach supports continued access to naloxone and helps ensure that Iowans are prepared to respond quickly when an overdose occurs and potentially save a life.