Robyn Dwyer1,2,3, Anna Olsen4, Carrie Fowlie5, Chris Gough6, Ingrid van Beek7, Marianne Jauncey8, Nicholas Lintzeris9, Grace Oh10, Jane Dicka11, Craig L Fry12, Jeremy Hayllar13, Simon Lenton3. 1. Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. 2. Centre for Cultural Diversity and Wellbeing, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. 3. National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia. 4. Research School of Population Health, ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. 5. Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, Canberra, Australia. 6. Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy, Canberra, Australia. 7. Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 8. Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, Sydney, Australia. 9. Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia. 10. Alcohol and Other Drug and Prevention Services - WA Mental Health Commission, Perth, Australia. 11. Harm Reduction Victoria, Melbourne, Australia. 12. College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. 13. Metro North Hospital and Health Service Alcohol and Drug Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Take-home naloxone (THN) programs commenced in Australia in 2012 in the Australian Capital Territory and programs now operate in five Australian jurisdictions. The purpose of this paper is to record the progress of THN programs in Australia, to provide a resource for others wanting to start THN projects, and provide a tool for policy makers and others considering expansion of THN programs in this country and elsewhere. DESIGN AND METHODS: Key stakeholders with principal responsibility for identified THN programs operating in Australia provided descriptions of program development, implementation and characteristics. Short summaries of known THN programs from each jurisdiction are provided along with a table detailing program characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: Data collected across current Australian THN programs suggest that to date over 2500 Australians at risk of overdose have been trained and provided naloxone. Evaluation data from four programs recorded 146 overdose reversals involving naloxone that was given by THN participants. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Peer drug user groups currently play a central role in the development, delivery and scale-up of THN in Australia. Health professionals who work with people who use illicit opioids are increasingly taking part as alcohol and other drug-related health agencies have recognised the opportunity for THN provision through interactions with their clients. Australia has made rapid progress in removing regulatory barriers to naloxone since the initiation of the first THN program in 2012. However, logistical and economic barriers remain and further work is needed to expand access to this life-saving medication.
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Take-home naloxone (THN) programs commenced in Australia in 2012 in the Australian Capital Territory and programs now operate in five Australian jurisdictions. The purpose of this paper is to record the progress of THN programs in Australia, to provide a resource for others wanting to start THN projects, and provide a tool for policy makers and others considering expansion of THN programs in this country and elsewhere. DESIGN AND METHODS: Key stakeholders with principal responsibility for identified THN programs operating in Australia provided descriptions of program development, implementation and characteristics. Short summaries of known THN programs from each jurisdiction are provided along with a table detailing program characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: Data collected across current Australian THN programs suggest that to date over 2500 Australians at risk of overdose have been trained and provided naloxone. Evaluation data from four programs recorded 146 overdose reversals involving naloxone that was given by THNparticipants. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Peer drug user groups currently play a central role in the development, delivery and scale-up of THN in Australia. Health professionals who work with people who use illicit opioids are increasingly taking part as alcohol and other drug-related health agencies have recognised the opportunity for THN provision through interactions with their clients. Australia has made rapid progress in removing regulatory barriers to naloxone since the initiation of the first THN program in 2012. However, logistical and economic barriers remain and further work is needed to expand access to this life-saving medication.
Authors: Margaret Lowenstein; Hareena K Sangha; Anthony Spadaro; Jeanmarie Perrone; M Kit Delgado; Anish K Agarwal Journal: Harm Reduct J Date: 2022-08-26