Retailers across the country continue to play an important role in responding to the ongoing opioid crisis. Many businesses are choosing to stock naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, as part of their commitment to protecting employees, customers and the wider community. This approach reflects a growing recognition that overdoses can occur in any setting and that immediate access to lifesaving tools matters.
Retail workers are often among those most affected by the epidemic. Many report personal or workplace encounters with overdose situations, and national surveys show that a significant share of retail staff are already familiar with naloxone and how it works. By offering training and keeping the medication available, retailers can help ensure that staff and bystanders feel prepared to act during an emergency. This readiness fosters a supportive environment that benefits everyone who enters a store.
Health experts, including researchers at the National Institutes of Health, note that businesses are an important yet underutilized resource in responding to overdose incidents. They recommend expanding training and widening access to naloxone to help reduce overdose deaths. As more retailers adopt these practices, federal efforts that encourage safe bystander response could offer helpful support.
