A program in New York City to address opioid overdoses with naloxone distribution to non-traditional settings, such as bars and nightclubs
In 2018, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) collaborated with the Brooklyn Allied Bars & Restaurants (BABAR) to reach bar and nightclub owners as well as staff to begin an overdose prevention pilot program. This intervention was part of the overall comprehensive plan for NYC to address the opioid crisis, HealingNYC. After showing initial success, the program was expanded in 2019.
The program to bring overdose prevention to bars and nightclubs recognizes that people who use cocaine may be at risk for opioid overdose due to contamination of the drug with fentanyl. In addition to education and awareness, this program provides naloxone training for nightlife workers and makes naloxone available in these non-traditional settings.
More details on the program can be found here in this news article. Results of the pilot study show that naloxone is being distributed to a high-risk setting that has previously not had access to the overdose antidote.
Although 87% of venue owners/managers were aware of fentanyl, no participating venues had naloxone on premises prior to the intervention.