Enhancing opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution through pharmacist-led community outreach

The rise in fentanyl-related overdoses in Los Angeles County over the last decade underscores the urgent need for initiatives to expand naloxone access and educate bystanders on naloxone use. Between 2016 and 2022, the incidence of fentanyl-related overdose outcomes in Los Angeles County increased sharply, with the number of deaths rising by 1,652% (from 109 to 1,910), emergency department (ED) visits by 833% (from 133 to 1,241), and hospitalizations by 387% (from 102 to 497).1 Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is over 90% effective when administered promptly and can be delivered by laypersons or first responders. To broaden community-level access and mitigate opioid-related mortality, the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have implemented programs to distribute naloxone to eligible organizations. At Huntington Hospital, a multidisciplinary team combined with community outreach to enhance public education on opioid overdose prevention and increase access to naloxone among at-risk populations.