Emotional Burden and Selfcare Strategies Among Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response Personnel in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin, USA: A Qualitative Study

Most overdose prevention and respose personnel experience emotional strain and mental exhaustion. A strong emphasis on self-awareness, compassion, and teamwork is crucial for fostering resilience and sustaining mental health among the personnel. Organizational initiatives to promote mental health and proactive wellness play a critical role in self-care among individuals who work in overdose prevention and response. This study contributes to the limited evidence on the mental health challenges of overdose prevention and response personnel and the need to prioritize their mental wellness.