Opioid Overdose Prevention in Bars and Nightclubs

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.

Continuum of Care
Harm Reduction
Type of Evidence
Peer-reviewed
Response Approach
Overdose prevention
Peer-reviewed Article

Evidence of Program Effectiveness

"Although 87% of venue owners/managers were aware of fentanyl, no participating venues had naloxone on premises prior to the intervention. The campaign's rapid dissemination reached people at potential risk of opioid overdose in a short period of time following the identification of fentanyl in the cocaine supply. Public health authorities in states with high rates of opioid-involved overdose death should consider similar campaigns to deliver overdose prevention education in the context of a drug supply containing fentanyl." (Allen et al., 2020)