Pennsylvania residents can present a copy of a newly expanded standing order from the state Department of Health at their local pharmacy to obtain life-saving naloxone.

The standing order now includes ZIMHI, a 5 milligram intra-muscular injection device that comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe or a carton containing two cases of the pre-filled syringes. Dr. Denise Johnson, the acting secretary of health and Pennsylvania Physician General, released the new naloxone standing order to combat the rise of overdoses in Pennsylvania, according to a Wednesday news release from the Department of Health.

Beginning in 2014, the secretary of health has signed standing orders allowing the general public and first responders to obtain naloxone from their local pharmacy.

Naloxone is a medication approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by quickly restoring breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone can be administered by individuals with or without medical training to help reduce opioid overdose deaths.

The Department of Health has resources available to educate people to use the naloxone products available to save lives.