Analysis on efficacy of naloxone distribution program for varying emergency department patient populations

Orange County, a historically conservative area of California, has long neglected its disadvantaged populations. Little research has been done on its drug-using population or its homeless population, much less on those who belong to both groups. Basic government statistics show that in Orange County, homelessness has increased by 5% over the past 2 years alone, and overdose deaths have increased by 51% in the past decade. While accurate counts and comprehensive understanding of either group are often difficult, they are essential parts of long-term prevention and education. Our research project aims to expand our understanding of drug users in the county and how factors such as homelessness correlate with substance abuse and usage of Naloxone. We will be distributing Naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal drug) in the Douglas Hospital Emergency Department and educating patients who are identified as at risk of overdosing on preventative measures. In the process, we will be administering surveys that will quantify the overdose knowledge, drug experience, reversal rate with Naloxone, and knowledge retention among subjects. The survey will also allow us to run statistical tests and see how those variables correlate with certain demographic characteristics, such as housing conditions, drug habits, ethnicity, age, employment, etc. The data from our research will not only facilitate an understanding of the homeless substance-using population better but also help us intelligently modify health and education services for this group. This project is a culmination of multiple communities coming together to work towards the singular goal of harm reduction for Orange County's drug-using population. It arose from a collaboration between the Needle Exchange Program (OCNEP) that is currently being established in the county and the Douglas Hospital's Emergency Room physicians. The partnership was vital in establishing the Naloxone distribution program, and we hope that the information we find will serve to help other counties further their own harm reduction programs and services for their communities. All across the United States, substance abuse and opioid overdose have become an increasingly relevant issues, resulting in over 40,000 deaths in 2013 and 2.5 million emergency department visits. It is now more necessary than ever that we investigate the factors that contribute to these issues.