Promising Practices from a Peer-Based Naloxone Distribution Program

Introduction: Naloxone, often distributed under the drug name Narcan, is an opiate antagonist used to prevent death from respiratory depression from overdoses. Since 1999 the number of individuals addicted to prescription opiates and heroin has increased, resulting in alarming rates of opiate overdoses. Although naloxone can reverse fatal overdoses, peer-based naloxone distribution remains a controversial policy intervention.

Methods: A harm reduction center located in Skid Row will report on results from a naloxone training and distribution program. Participants can request the 15-minute training session in the proper administration of naloxone from a trained staff member. Upon training individuals obtain a kit containing two doses for overdose prevention. Program participants are eligible to receive the free overdose kit refills when they use their kits to save a life, or if their kit becomes lost or stolen. The center collects information on the use of the naloxone overdose kits, and overdose outcomes, including successful overdose reversals.

Results: Since the inception of the program in 2011, over 700 individuals have participated in the peer-based naloxone distribution program. In the most recent reporting year over 750 kits have been distributed. In the four years of the naloxone distribution program, over 600 overdose reversals have been reported. Most recently the agency has implemented a Train the Trainer curriculum to provide support in training staff members of over 25 agencies in Los Angeles County, while providing on-going technical assistance. The training is the only overdose prevention training curriculum certified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Conclusions: Considering the continued increase in opiate use and associated overdose rates, naloxone is a crucial resource for communities. The results from this naloxone training and distribution program provide promising support for the use of peer-based naloxone distribution for overdose prevention in communities.