After beginning four years ago, BC Take Home Naloxone program continues to grow and save lives. To date, we've had 1880 reports of naloxone uses and overdose reversals, 10,785 people trained, and 12,395 kits distributed at 284 locations.
Program Evaluation: Review of Data up to July 2016
The BC THN program has been providing training and distributing kits in all of BC’s health authorities since August 31, 2012. In March 2015, an evaluation reviewed data collected regarding training, prescribing and dispensing, forms completed after naloxone was given, and clients’ reports of the benefit and challenges.
Since BC declared a public health emergency in April 2016, a new report has been released based on an updated “overdose response information” form. Some of the report’s key findings and recommendations include:
- The number of naloxone kits shipped to sites per month has increased to a peak of over 4,000 kits in June 2016.
- Naloxone was administered through the THN program in all regions of BC, with the largest numbers in Vancouver (34%) and Surrey (19%).
- Continue providing 3 naloxone ampoules per kit as the reported number used per overdose has increased alongside increases in fentanyl detection.
- 72% of reported naloxone administrations resulted in no or mild withdrawal symptoms, with 9% reporting severe withdrawal.
- Emphasizing the importance of calling 911 appears to be working as rates have increased over time though they vary by health authority.
- Fear of police attendance continues to be a major barrier to calling 911 with rates lower when overdoses take place in private residences (46%) versus in the street (81%).
- 13% of reports describe harassment by first responders.
- All emergency responders should be able to administer naloxone.
