A local Santa Barbara news outlet reported that naloxone, from the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP), was administered by the Santa Barbara Police Department to reverse an opioid overdose for a man who was reported unconscious. According to the article, the Santa Barbara Police Department has saved six lives over the last year by using naloxone from the NDP to reduce opioid overdoses in the county.
The NDP has successfully distributed naloxone, a nasal spray that is used to reduce opioid overdoses, to 56 of the 58 counties throughout California, reversing thousands of overdoses. As fentanyl has become more prevalent in California, the state has seen an increase in opioid overdose deaths in 2019 and 2020. With reduced access to services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number is expected to continue to increase. During this time, the NDP is especially important in providing free, easily accessible naloxone to community programs, harm reduction organizations, and first responders.
The NDP will continue for the next two years through the State Opioid Response Grant. See the Naloxone Distribution Project page for more information on the program and its impact.