Barriers to and recommendations for take-home naloxone distribution: perspectives from opioid treatment programs in New Mexico.
Julie G SalvadorAndrew L SussmanMikiko Y TakedaWilliam G KatzmanMonica Moya BalaschJoanna G KatzmanPublished in: Harm reduction journal (2020)
In spite of targeted legislation and training, provision of take-home naloxone at remained low. This is alarming given the need for this lifesaving medication among the Opioid Treatment Program patient population, and high opioid death rate in New Mexico. Locally, important next steps include clarifying regulatory guidelines and supporting policy/billing changes to offset costs to Opioid Treatment Programs. Globally, additional research is needed to identify the prevalence of take-home naloxone distribution in similar settings, common barriers, and best practices that can be shared to increase access to this vital lifesaving medication in this critical context.