1. Northern Nevada HOPES
Opioid Overdose
Rachel Daley, Emily Linnell, Margaret Schoemann
Februrary 24, 2015
In 1997, Northern Nevada HOPES offers integrated
medical and support services, often for medically
marginalized populations (LGBTQI, drug users, sex
workers, and those living in poverty). Through street
outreach and the harm-reduction model of healthcare,
HOPES has been able to provide affordable, accepting
and accessible health care to those who normally may
not have access to quality care.
MISSION: We are dedicated to building a healthier
community by providing coordinated health care and
support for individual and family wellness. Our
community health center combines primary care,
medical specialties, behavioral health, and prevention
services with a team of experiences professionals who
are committed to high-quality healthcare1.
What is HOPES
Goals and Objectives
FAC T: In 2012 drug overdose was the leading cause of
injury death4.
FACT: The death rate from drug overdose has more
than doubled from 1999 to 2013 and continues to
increase3.
FACT: Nevada ranks in the top 25% of overdose deaths
in the country2.
NALOXONE LEGISLATION
Naloxone is a safe, inexpensive medication that works
as an opioid antagonist, blocks the opioid receptors
and stops respiratory failure that occurs during
overdose. Drug overdoses can be reversed if Naloxone
is administered. There is no potential for abuse and only
works if an opioid is in their system.
With the majority of drug overdoses happening in the
presence of others, there is an immense potential for
life-saving intervention. With the proper legislation
passed, it would expand access to this life-saving
medication by allowing not only physicians to prescribe,
but also pharmacists who can also dispense it. It has
also been shown in states with these access laws, it
reduces death rates from overdose. In conjunction with
naloxone legislation, adequate 911 Good Samaritan
Laws can encourage individuals to call for help.
FACT: In states with Naloxone access, the overdose
death rate has been shown to decrease5.
Opioid Overdose
• Gain knowledge in health policy and legislation from
beginning to end. From bill making, to networking, to
seeing the bill be passed.
• Understand and implement the Harm Reduction
Model of health care
• Community outreach in the form of hygiene kits,
syringe services programs, and safe-sex resources.
We will use our skills to move forward in our goals as
public health professionals, working in a cross-cultural
environment.
Key Skills
We are improving health in our community by
increasing the public’s knowledge of harm reduction
strategies including safe injection and safe sex
practices. By doing so, we can reduce the incidence
of STI’s (HIV, HEP C, etc.), reduce infection due to drug
use and overall improve the health of often medically
marginalized populations and Northern Nevada in
general.
With the passing of the naloxone legislation, we are
opening doors for chronic pain patients, drug users
and those working with these populations to reduce
the risk of overdose. We are also working to expand
the 911 Good Samaritan Laws in order to encourage
individuals to call for help in these incidences and
avoid future prosecution.
Making Health Happen
Our first goal is to successfully create and pass
legislation supporting the third party prescribing and
access to naloxone. In order to do so, we will be
contacting our local legislatures, community members,
and asking for their support. We will also be working with
PHASA on the Naloxone Coalition in order to network
and increase our support and knowledge on the
legislation.
Our second goal is to increase our range of knowledge
and skills in responding to public heath issues by working
within the Change Point department of HOPES. Within
Change Point’s Harm Reduction and Outreach Center
we will be providing the community with skills and
resources to increase harm reduction strategies.
Rachel Daley: Syringe Services Program & Naloxone Coalition member
Margaret Schoemann: Community Outreach & Naloxone Coalition member
Emily Linnell: Policy Networking & Naloxone Coalition member
REFERENCES
1. Nothern Nevada HOPES link: nnhopes.org
2. CDC MMWR (2012) 61(6)
3. CDC WONDER database link: http://wonder.cdc.gov/cmf-icf19.html
4. NCHS Date Brief #81, 2011; #166, 2014
5. Albert, S., Branson, F.W., 2nd, Sanford, C.K, Dasgupta, N, Gaham, J., & Lovette, B. (2011)