We are combatting the stigma behind the opioid epidemic.
Creating an equitable and sustainable medical system that provides Naloxone and saves lives.
Our Mission
To directly provide Naloxone to all patients at-risk of overdose, and to have that effort led by healthcare providers and medical spaces.
Six principles of change
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Stigma is a powerful force that prevents care for patients with opioid use disorder and those at risk of overdose. Naloxone saves lives, not only through its actions to reverse an opioid overdose, but also through its effect of decreasing stigma. Naloxone is a symbol of care and sends a message that fosters further treatment and recovery.
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Patients with opioid use disorder and those at risk for overdose matter. We must take the necessary steps to assure safety, treat overdose, and save lives through effective and sustainable naloxone distribution and overdose prevention and education.
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Clinicians must learn to identify patients at risk for overdose and commit to placing naloxone in patients’ hands prior to their departure from the hospital or emergency department.
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Hospitals and emergency departments must commit to stocking and dispensing naloxone to at-risk patients.
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Payers and regulators must reimburse hospitals for dispensing naloxone, covering the costs of the medication so that there is no negative financial impact for hospitals that provide this service. Regulatory barriers for dispensing naloxone from hospitals and emergency departments must also be removed so naloxone dispensing is easy and can be implemented without fear of penalty.
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By banding together, we can build a system of care that effectively identifies patients at risk of opioid overdose and reliably dispenses naloxone to such patients. Naloxone can also serve as a bridge and incentive for patients to return for definitive treatment with medication for opioid use disorder. Together, we can save lives and build the addiction treatment system that our communities not only need, but deserve.
Born in Colorado, 2021
The first chapter of The Naloxone Project involved quickly recruiting hospitals and emergency departments throughout the state. As of 2023, there are 107 participating hospital facilities in Colorado. These represent 1.9 million emergency department visits in 2022, which is 97% of all emergency department visits for Colorado.
Over 2,500 donated naloxone kits were dispensed from participating hospitals during this timeframe. 30 of the participating sites are rural or critical access facilities, emphasizing the focus on equitable access to naloxone for even the most
remote communities.
Colorado also established a "leave-behind" program with emergency medical services and the police department in the rural northwest part of the state. Multiple examples of model legislation were passed during this timeframe to further assist in the ease and reimbursement of take-home naloxone distribution from hospitals.
In addition, the Colorado chapter has 22 government, nonprofit, and other partners that support its work.
WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED
How we got here
In fall of 2022, The Naloxone Project announced Colorado as its first state chapter for the MOMs (Maternal Overdose Matters) Initiative.
Recognizing that overdose and suicide continue to drive maternal death to startling heights in both Colorado and the nation, MOMs is focused on providing hospital-based overdose education and naloxone directly into the hands of pregnant and parenting patients and families.
2022 was also focused on nationwide expansion to other state chapters. As of early 2023, 10 additional states have formed chapters of The Naloxone Project. The first annual Board of Directors meetings was held in January, and a member was selected to partner with each new state chapter.
2023 focused on helping these state chapters use the lessons learned in Colorado to further naloxone distribution within each state. Emergency departments and labor and delivery units will continue to be an emphasis, along with new areas of the hospital and other healthcare settings, in an attempt to establish a "no wrong way" to access naloxone in all American communities.
Legislative work at the state and national level will also be an emphasis, in order to establish regulatory support and sustainability of healthcare systems participating in this critical work.
WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED
Still curious about our work and key findings?
Reach out to us with any questions you have— we’re happy to help you.