HaRD Program - Harm Reduction Data Analysis

Iowa is the only Midwestern state that has seen a rise in opioid overdoses in the past year (Hajj, 2024). Harm Reduction is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization to reduce rates of infectious disease transmission and opioid overdose in people who use drugs/people who inject drugs (PWUD/PWID) (Hajj, 2024; IHRC, n.d.; WHO, n.d.). Harm Reduction practices can include naloxone distribution, syringe exchange, fentanyl test strip distribution, and more (WHO, n.d.). A non-profit organization in Iowa, the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition (IHRC), has been serving its community by distributing naloxone and fentanyl test strips (IHRC, n.d.). The IHRC also collects data from their clients regarding naloxone use and reversals. Data analysis of IHRC’s distribution numbers and collected data from community participants was performed, including looking for associations between fentanyl test strip distribution, naloxone distribution, naloxone usage, and reported reversals. The analysis showed that most overdoses are requiring multiple doses of naloxone; and that overdose numbers increased twice during the year, both times after fentanyl test strip distribution decreased. These results contribute to existing research suggesting that fentanyl test strip distribution may be a crucial component in reducing overdose rates.