Edward-Elmhurst Health is now prescribing naloxone to accompany opioid pain relievers.
The opioid overdose reversal drug allows users the chance to regain consciousness and breathing in the case of an overdose.
Edward-Elmhurst began the protocol, which requires doctors to prescribe the medication as a backup to opioid pain relievers, on January 8.
Ninety-five people died from opioid overdoses in 2017 according to data released by the Dupage county coroner’s office.
Officials noted that without the use of the opioid antidote naloxone those numbers would be much higher.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.