Naloxone, remedy for heroin overdose, closer to being sold over the counter at Walgreens

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Heroin takes more than one life every day in Cook County. Now a new bill could help save the lives of thousands struggling with addiction.

Congressman Robert Dold introduced new legislation to provide a $500,000 grant to support access to naloxone. The medication can prevent someone from dying of a heroin overdose.

The bill is named "Lali's Law" in memory of Alex Laliberte. The Stevenson High School graduate died of an overdose seven years ago.

Walgreens pharmacies in 39 states including Illinois will soon sell naloxone without a prescription. The drug reverses the effects of heroin overdoses.

Walgreens will have the nasal spray version of naloxone. It will be available in Indiana this month without a prescription, and Illinois will follow later this year.