Collaboration with community partners to expand naloxone access in the HEALing Communities Study

BACKGROUND: Increasing naloxone availability is one of the most effective ways to combat opioid-related overdose and death. OBJECTIVE: We describe the implementation of a community-based hub-and-spoke model and highlight supportive policies and procedures to address implementation barriers to reduce fatal opioid overdoses. We aim to provide insight into future naloxone distribution efforts. METHODS: The "hub-and-spoke" model functioned as an extension of the Ohio Department of Health's Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) by establishing secondary Project DAWN sites as part of the HEALing Communities Study in Ohio. State-sponsored naloxone distribution efforts ensured that naloxone was freely and readily accessible through local health departments and various community organizations. RESULTS: This initiative increased the distribution of sustainable naloxone to a wider range of locations, such as workplaces, recreational areas, and places of worship. Ohio's approach exemplifies a coordinated effort, uniting state government and community leaders in a shared commitment to expand access to lifesaving medications to combat the opioid epidemic. CONCLUSION: The "hub-and-spoke" model offers a community-based strategy to extend resources across different organizations and enhance the local infrastructure. Discussions facilitated by experts in the field and trained individuals can combat stigmatizing beliefs within the community. Standardizing medical protocols and promoting flexible legislation can significantly improve distribution efficiency.