Expand Equitable Uptake of Over-the-Counter Naloxone in Communities Impacted by Overdose

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Using findings from the dissertation "Barriers to and Facilitators for Equitable Uptake of Over-the-Counter Naloxone: A Qualitative Case Study of New York and Texas", this policy brief outlines the urgency for tailored, multi-level policy interventions that advance equity in Federal and state law and policy; overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND); out-of-pocket and product costs; and for providers and first responders. The findings underscore the need for equity-centered policy strategies paired with community-level change efforts to advance equitable uptake for communities currently most at-risk of overdose. Community-driven policies could prevent unintended consequences of OTC naloxone access such as stagnant, or at worst, widening gaps in existing disparities and enhance equitable uptake nationally.</span>