Springfield, IL  (KTRS)  Trained pharmacists in Illinois soon will be able to dispense the overdose reversal drug Narcan without a prescription.

Regulators announced on Monday that a short web-based training program is available to pharmacists who want to help reduce deaths from heroin and painkillers. This program is a result to legislation passed last year.

The legislation allows pharmacists to dispense Narcan kits to people at risk of overdose, their family members and friends, first responders, and school nurses.

In 2014, Illinois experienced more than 1,700 deaths from such overdoses.