Northern Nevada HOPESOpioid Overdose

Rachel Daley, Emily Linnell, Margaret SchoemannFebrurary 24, 2015

In 1997, Northern Nevada HOPES offers integrated medical and support services, often for medically marginalized populations (LGBTQI, drug users, sex workers, and those living in poverty). Through street outreach and the harm-reduction model of healthcare, HOPES has been able to provide affordable, accepting and accessible health care to those who normally may not have access to quality care.

MISSION: We are dedicated to building a healthier community by providing coordinated health care and support for individual and family wellness. Our community health center combines primary care, medical specialties, behavioral health, and prevention services with a team of experiences professionals who are committed to high-quality healthcare1.

What is HOPES

Goals and Objectives

FAC T: In 2012 drug overdose was the leading cause of injury death4.FACT: The death rate from drug overdose has more than doubled from 1999 to 2013 and continues to increase3. FACT: Nevada ranks in the top 25% of overdose deaths in the country2.

NALOXONE LEGISLATIONNaloxone is a safe, inexpensive medication that works as an opioid antagonist, blocks the opioid receptors and stops respiratory failure that occurs during overdose. Drug overdoses can be reversed if Naloxone is administered. There is no potential for abuse and only works if an opioid is in their system. With the majority of drug overdoses happening in the presence of others, there is an immense potential for life-saving intervention. With the proper legislation passed, it would expand access to this life-saving medication by allowing not only physicians to prescribe, but also pharmacists who can also dispense it. It has also been shown in states with these access laws, it reduces death rates from overdose. In conjunction with naloxone legislation, adequate 911 Good Samaritan Laws can encourage individuals to call for help.

FACT: In states with Naloxone access, the overdose death rate has been shown to decrease5.

Opioid Overdose

• Gain knowledge in health policy and legislation from beginning to end. From bill making, to networking, to seeing the bill be passed.

• Understand and implement the Harm Reduction Model of health care

• Community outreach in the form of hygiene kits, syringe services programs, and safe-sex resources.

We will use our skills to move forward in our goals as public health professionals, working in a cross-cultural environment.

Key Skills

We are improving health in our community by increasing the public’s knowledge of harm reduction strategies including safe injection and safe sex practices. By doing so, we can reduce the incidence of STI’s (HIV, HEP C, etc.), reduce infection due to drug use and overall improve the health of often medically marginalized populations and Northern Nevada in general.

With the passing of the naloxone legislation, we are opening doors for chronic pain patients, drug users and those working with these populations to reduce the risk of overdose. We are also working to expand the 911 Good Samaritan Laws in order to encourage individuals to call for help in these incidences and avoid future prosecution.

Making Health Happen

Our first goal is to successfully create and pass legislation supporting the third party prescribing and access to naloxone. In order to do so, we will be contacting our local legislatures, community members, and asking for their support. We will also be working with PHASA on the Naloxone Coalition in order to network and increase our support and knowledge on the legislation.

Our second goal is to increase our range of knowledge and skills in responding to public heath issues by working within the Change Point department of HOPES. Within Change Point’s Harm Reduction and Outreach Center we will be providing the community with skills and resources to increase harm reduction strategies.

Rachel Daley: Syringe Services Program & Naloxone Coalition member

Margaret Schoemann: Community Outreach & Naloxone Coalition member

Emily Linnell: Policy Networking & Naloxone Coalition member

REFERENCES1. Nothern Nevada HOPES link: nnhopes.org2. CDC MMWR (2012) 61(6)3. CDC WONDER database link: http://wonder.cdc.gov/cmf-icf19.html4. NCHS Date Brief #81, 2011; #166, 20145. Albert, S., Branson, F.W., 2nd, Sanford, C.K, Dasgupta, N, Gaham, J., & Lovette, B. (2011)