Evaluating equity in community-based naloxone access among racial/ethnic groups in Massachusetts

Original research
by
Nolen, Shayla et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Racial/ethnic minorities have experienced disproportionate opioid-related overdose death rates in recent years. In this context, we examined inequities in community-based naloxone access across racial/ethnic groups in Massachusetts.

Findings/Key points

Regions with high overdose rates received more naloxone. Despite segregated regions receiving more naloxone, minority residents received less.

Design/methods

Data from: the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs; the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on opioid-related overdose deaths, and; the United States Census American Community Survey for regional demographic/socioeconomic details.

Keywords

Overdose
Harm reduction
Equity