Pharmacists' readiness to provide naloxone in community pharmacies in West Virginia

As the most accessible health care providers, community pharmacists are acutely aware of how the opioid epidemic affects their communities. Some pharmacists in West Virginia are hesitant to stock and dispense opioids and opioid-dependence medications. Although this may decrease the flow of potentially abused drugs into the community, it may also restrict access to necessary therapy for patients with opioid use disorder. Furthermore, pharmacists in West Virginia are not yet comfortable stocking and dispensing naloxone. Tailored educational materials can help in controlling the pharmacists' fear and reinforce the benefits of over-the-counter naloxone use.