4072.0 Overdose prevention sites in Connecticut

Session: Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Substance Use: Risk Factors, Health Impacts, and Prevention

Program: APHA Student Assembly

Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Presenter:

Frank Amaefuna, MPH'23

Abstract

Connecticut is facing an alarming problem with opioid overdose deaths, with more individuals dying from preventable opioid overdoses than from car accidents or gun violence. In 2020 alone, 1,372 individuals died due to opioid overdoses, marking a 14 percent increase from the previous year. In response to this crisis, other states such as New York and Rhode Island have established overdose prevention sites (OPSs), which provide supervised places for community members and individuals to inject pre-obtained drugs under trained medical professionals' supervision to receive treatment if an overdose occurs. OPSs also offer educational resources on drug risks and provide access to support systems, overdose reversal agents, clean needles, and fentanyl test strips.

Analysis from previous studies has demonstrated the effectiveness of OPSs in reducing opioid overdose deaths, improper disposal of used needles, and overall cost-effectiveness. By analyzing health and economic projects from New York and Rhode Island, it is recommended that the first OPSs in Connecticut should be placed in Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven, which have the highest prevalence of overdose deaths. Funding for the operation of these facilities can be sourced from Connecticut’s share of the Opioid Settlement Fund, with at least 85% of the fund to be used for opioid remediation.

Connecticut must take action and establish OPSs in the state. By doing so, the state can help save lives, provide necessary resources to those affected by opioid use disorder, and mitigate the impact of this crisis on communities across the state.