Bystanders

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has provided resources for families who may be helping a loved one experiencing a mental or substance use disorder. SAMHSA provides documents and videos on how to start the conversation and support guides as families can play a central role in helping loved ones.

This report provides recommendations for actions that state and local leaders can take immediately to increase evidence-based practices, decrease arbitrary determinations, and prevent overdose deaths. The report also provides concrete steps that will, in the longterm, help dismantle a siloed system of unequal access and disparities and move towards an integrated system that promotes restorative justice, where people and families are treated with dignity, and where addiction is treated as a health and wellness matter rather than one of moral failing or criminality.

Opioid overdose death rates were reduced in communities where overdose education and nasal naloxone distribution (OEND) was implemented. This study provides observational evidence that by training potential bystanders to prevent, recognize, and respond to opioid overdoses, OEND is an effective intervention.

This RSV Breakout Session was held in the Mt. Vernon Square Room on Wednesday, March 5, 2020, at 2:30 PM

Although typically delivered via intramuscular or intravenous injection, naloxone may be delivered via intranasal spray device.