Naloxone Saturation: An Overview and Models for Success

Overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) is an essential evidence-based intervention to prevent fatal opioid-involved overdose. Though developed in 1996 by a harm reduction program working with people who use drugs (PWUD), OEND has achieved widespread attention and support only in recent years. This session will consider why and how to reach the goal of naloxone saturation.

The first team of presenters will review the origins of OEND and the strategies for expansion and adaptation that laid the foundation for current practices. They will identify successes and barriers ― some of which have reappeared as more broad stakeholders increase interest in and commitment to naloxone distribution. They will present Remedy Alliance as a model for reducing barriers for harm reduction programs to ensure sustainable and equitable access to naloxone for distribution in their communities.

The second team will present the District of Columbia's (DC's) primarily community-driven naloxone distribution model (with more than 100 community partners), in addition to text-based delivery and mail-order naloxone programs. The strategies respond to research and anecdotal reports of PWUD in DC that found interacting with the medical system presents both real and perceived barriers to accessing naloxone. Partners include traditional take-home naloxone programs housed at syringe services programs and opioid treatment programs, but also novel community partners with a vested interest in overdose prevention, including churches and peer-led recovery organizations. Presenters will share the experiences of these partners and discuss practical pathways to expand naloxone distribution, program implementation, public reception, barriers, and local media response.