The new Carry Naloxone mapping app is the first-of-its-kind in England. The app shows people where they can access free Naloxone medicine in Somerset. It was launched simultaneously with an online Naloxone Click & Deliver service to support people who are unable to collect Naloxone from their local area.
Both these initiatives aim to reduce drug-related deaths by providing those at risk of an opioid overdose, their friends, and families with a free Naloxone kit.
As opioid related deaths continue to increase and concerns escalate about contamination of street heroin with highly potent synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, carrying a Naloxone kit is vital. Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can save lives if administered promptly.
On the awareness day, Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) promoted the Naloxone training that is always available in their Yeovil and Taunton hubs, and that it only takes 10 minutes to show someone how to use Naloxone.
Cllr Adam Dance, lead member of Public Health, Equalities and Diversity at Somerset Council said:
“We want to reduce the number of drug related deaths in Somerset. The launch of the new Carry Naloxone app and Naloxone Click and Deliver service it will make it easier for people to access and carry Naloxone kits.
“Naloxone should be seen as an essential medication and thought of in the same way as a defibrillator, or an epi pen for anaphylactic shock. Last year I did the training, it’s easy to administer, easy to carry and can ultimately save someone’s life.”
Carry Naloxone began as a research project, funded via Somerset Council from new funding from the Department of Health and Social Care to support the implementation of the 2021 government drug strategy, From Harm to Hope. A key aim of which is to reduce number of drug related deaths, by encouraging people who may experience or witness an opioid overdose to carry Naloxone with them. A review of international studies found 57% of people offered Naloxone accepted it, but the rate of people who carry the medication is lower at 20%.
The development of the app was a direct result of workshops and one-to-one discussions with current SDAS clients and was delivered by Dr Jennifer Scott, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol, and Deb Hussey, Safer Lives Lead at Turning Point.
Dr Jennifer Scott, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol said;
“By working in partnership with people who use opioids, drugs service staff and peer mentors, we have co-designed information materials that we hope are engaging, help raise awareness of Naloxone and where to get it and encourage people in Somerset to Carry Naloxone."
“Carrying, as opposed to keeping it in a cupboard, is really important, as you can't predict when it will be needed and the quicker it is given, the more likely it is to save someone's life. It is a safe medicine to use."
“The training is simple, and once trained, anyone can confidently administer it. The ambition of this local campaign supports International Overdose Awareness Day in its mission to end overdose. We are grateful to our co-designers, to Somerset Council and Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) for their support with this work.”
Deb Hussey Safer Lives Lead at Turning Point said;
“The launch of these new services is a significant step forward in the fight against opioid overdoses in Somerset, and following a trial period we hope to roll them out across Turning Point services nationally.
“At a time when we are seeing changes in the drug supply and an increased risk of overdose, these innovative services will help to increase access to Naloxone and will empower individuals to take control of their own safety.”
The campaign will be supported by posters designed by artist and Harm Reduction Campaigner Michael Linnell, including a QR code that enables people to find the nearest stockist.
Contact SDAS if you would like Naloxone training for yourself, your team or organisation.
- Call us on 0300 303 8788 (phone lines open 24/7)
- Email [email protected]
- Visit www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas