Evaluating Equity in Community-Based Naloxone Access Among Racial/Ethnic Groups in Massachusetts

Posted 11/1/2022 (updated 3/27/2024)

Racial/ethnic minorities have experienced disproportionate opioid-related overdose death rates in recent years. In this context, inequities were examined in community-based naloxone access across racial/ethnic groups in Massachusetts. From 2016–2019, the median annual rate of naloxone kits received from OEND programs in Massachusetts per racial/ethnicity group ranged between 160 and 447 per 100,000. In a multivariable analysis, it was found that the naloxone distribution rates for racial/ethnic minorities were lower than the rate for white residents. Naloxone was more likely to be distributed in racially segregated communities than non-segregated communities.