Overdose deaths in Kentucky and Ohio have dramatically increased in recent years, far outpacing the rise in overdose deaths nationwide. This rise has spurred increased demand for Narcan, a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent fatal overdoses from opioids, including heroin, morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone.
Through program evaluations and public opinion surveys, Interact for Health has collected data about the distribution of Narcan in the region as well as Ohio and Kentucky adults’ knowledge of and opinions about the medication.
In the report “Using Narcan to prevent opioid overdoses: Examining the landscape in Ohio, Kentucky,” Interact for Health found that while widespread Narcan distribution is still fairly new, most adults in Kentucky and Ohio are familiar with the medication. They are also aware of the association between administration and treatment for drug addiction. Nonetheless, opportunity exists for education to increase awareness of the benefits of Narcan.
Read the complete report here.
