The Naloxone Project

The Naloxone Project is a clinician-led nonprofit organization in the United States, dedicated to providing compassionate and patient-centric care for individuals at risk of opioid overdose. Founded in 2021, the organization is headquartered in Colorado and focuses on addressing the opioid crisis through equitable access to naloxone.

Mission

The mission of The Naloxone Project is to empower hospitals, emergency departments, and labor and delivery units to distribute naloxone to at-risk patients. By doing so, they aim to create a stigma-free environment and encourage further treatment and recovery for those affected by opioid use disorder.

Initiatives

The Naloxone Project implements several initiatives to achieve its goals:

• Hospital-Based Naloxone Distribution: They work with hospitals and emergency departments to ensure that patients at risk of overdose receive naloxone before discharge. This includes establishing programs that facilitate the distribution of naloxone without prescription barriers.

• MOMs (Maternal Overdose Matters) Initiative: This initiative focuses on providing overdose education and naloxone distribution to pregnant and parenting patients. Given that opioid overdose is a leading cause of maternal mortality, the initiative aims to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

• Community and Policy Advocacy: The organization advocates for policies that support sustainable naloxone distribution, including reimbursement models that allow hospitals to provide naloxone without financial obstacles.

Achievements

As of early 2023, The Naloxone Project has achieved significant milestones, including partnering with over 107 hospital facilities across Colorado, which represents nearly all emergency department visits in the state. The project has also expanded to additional states, focusing on implementing their model nationwide.

The Naloxone Project collaborates with government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare institutions to advance its mission. Their efforts include legislative work to remove regulatory barriers and ensure reimbursement for hospitals dispensing naloxone.

Focus Areas

The organization prioritizes equitable access to naloxone, especially in rural and underserved communities. They also engage with first responders and healthcare providers to ensure that those most at risk receive appropriate care and resources.

Structure and Expansion

The Naloxone Project is structured as a small nonprofit organization with a focused team dedicated to addressing the opioid epidemic through community outreach, policy change, and healthcare system reform. They continue to expand their initiatives, partnering with clinics and medical facilities to reach more communities across the United States.