Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention (PONI) | Brandeis Opioid Resource Connector

An opioid overdose prevention program in Rhode Island which includes naloxone distribution and training

Run through the Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI, the Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Distribution (PONI) program’s mission is to reduce opioid overdose deaths in Rhode Island by targeting those at highest risk for an opioid overdose and people that will be providing services to those most at risk.

The program provides free training in overdose recognition and response, including naloxone administration. It provides naloxone kits at no charge to high-risk individuals.

The program is supported by volunteers in the community and both in-kind and monetary donations.

Over 6800 naloxone kits distributed in 2018.

Continuum of Care

Harm Reduction

Type of Evidence

Peer-reviewed

Response Approach

Educational

Overdose prevention

Peer-reviewed Article

Opioid Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distribution in Rhode Island

Evidence of Program Effectiveness

A pilot evaluation of PONI was published in 2011. The program trained an initial 120 participants in overdose prevention and response and gave them naloxone kits. Reports from agencies hosting trainings indicate that these were used in overdose reversals: “PONI demonstrated that an OD prevention program with a naloxone distribution component is feasible in Rhode Island. Thus, there is a potential to greatly reduce overdose-associated morbidity and mortality in Rhode Island if this program is expanded.” (Yokell et al., 2011)

The program has expanded, as PONI self-reported that 858 kits were distributed to 663 individuals in 2016 and over 6800 kits were distributed in 2018.