NEXT Distro: Stay Alive, Stay Safe

Drug overdose is a continuing epidemic that claimed the lives of over 67,000 Americans in 2018. Opioids, either alone or in combination with other substances, were responsible for approximately 70% of these deaths. Many of these lost lives and other opioid-related harms are preventable through the timely administration of the opioid reversal drug naloxone and, where appropriate, other follow-up care.

Similarly, consistent access to new injection supplies is critical to prevent the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases among people who inject drugs, and to prevent subsequent infection of sexual partners, children, and others. Unfortunately, state laws and local rules can make it difficult for people who inject drugs to access these lifesaving supplies, and variations in laws among states can create confusion among both people who inject drugs and people and organizations working to ensure that they have the supplies they need to protect themselves and others.