New Partnership Aims to Save Lives in Ohio's Opioid Epidemic
PAARI, FFF Enterprises, and Harbor Path team up to distribute nasal Naloxone and create a replicable model for Narcan distribution nationwide
Harbor Path Team —
The opioid epidemic has been a major public health crisis in the United States for years. It has claimed countless lives, devastated families and communities, and strained public safety resources. But there is hope on the horizon. Nonprofits like PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative) are working tirelessly to help public safety partners create non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery.
Beginning in April 2023, PAARI is partnering with FFF Enterprises and Harbor Path to oversee a pilot program in Ohio. The aim of this project is to reduce barriers to Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. During the pilot, PAARI will supply nasal Naloxone to participating public safety agencies in Ohio, who will then distribute it to people at the highest risk of opioid overdose.
This pilot program is particularly innovative because it seeks to create a model for Narcan distribution that can be replicated in other states across the country. By working with public safety partners to create non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery, PAARI hopes to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and promote the use of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to save lives.
Naloxone is a critical tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic. When administered promptly and properly, it can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and give individuals a second chance at life. However, barriers to access can prevent individuals from receiving this life-saving medication when they need it most. By distributing Naloxone to people at the highest risk of opioid overdose, the PAARI pilot program in Ohio aims to reduce barriers.
Overall, the partnership between PAARI, FFF Enterprises, and Harbor Path is an exciting development in the fight against the opioid epidemic. We are taking an important step towards reducing the harm caused by this devastating crisis and look forward to seeing the positive impact this pilot program will have in Ohio and beyond.