Missouri Points To Naloxone Use As Overdose Deaths Decline; Local Picture Remains Harder To Measure
More Missourians are obtaining naloxone through pharmacies as Missouri reports a continued decline in opioid overdose deaths, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The department said annual Medicaid claims for naloxone dispensed through Missouri’s standing order now exceed 11,000 per year. In 2025, Medicaid processed 11,436 naloxone claims under the order, which allows Missourians to obtain the overdose-reversal medication without an individual prescription.
State health officials pointed to the growing use of naloxone as one tool in Missouri’s broader effort to reduce fatal overdoses.
“Overdose deaths are decreasing at the same time naloxone utilization is growing. This is one tactic that is truly saving lives,” said Dr. Heidi Miller, chief medical officer with DHSS. “We have to meet people where they are at. If we can save the life, we then have the opportunity to help them find a path toward a long-term recovery.”
According to DHSS, overdose deaths in Missouri have fallen for three consecutive years since 2023. The department said opioid deaths declined 23 percent in 2025, while accidental drug poisonings declined 17.4 percent.
The statewide trend comes as local county-level data remains harder to measure in some areas. According to provisional CDC data for the 12-month period ending in September 2025, Franklin County recorded 29 drug overdose deaths. Crawford County’s figure was suppressed under National Center for Health Statistics confidentiality standards or due to data quality issues, meaning the specific number was not publicly released.
Missouri’s 2026 naloxone standing order also expands and clarifies access to the medication. DHSS said the updated order explicitly includes individuals under age 18, simplifies eligibility criteria and allows pharmacists to dispense larger quantities when clinically appropriate.
The update also includes revised instructions for rescue breathing and continued monitoring after naloxone is administered. State officials said that monitoring is especially important as potent synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, may require additional doses.
Missourians of all ages have accessed naloxone through the standing order. Since 2023, DHSS said there have been more than 18,000 claims among adults ages 35 to 54 and more than 13,000 claims among adults 55 and older. Children under 18 accounted for nearly 600 claims during the same period.
“Naloxone is effective for all opioids, including newer kratom-derived compounds like 7OH and MGM15,” Miller said.
Naloxone is available at pharmacies statewide through the standing order. Missourians may also request free mail-order or pickup naloxone through GetMissouriNaloxone.com. DHSS and partner organizations also provide overdose-response training.
DHSS is encouraging families, educators, health care providers and community organizations to keep naloxone on hand and stay informed about overdose prevention.