The CARE Overdose Response Team in Chicago: A Multidisciplinary Out-of-Hospital Post-Opioid Overdose Intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Emergency Medicine
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Chicago experienced a record 1441 opioid overdose fatalities in 2021.
• Interdisciplinary post-overdose follow-up teams offer critical intervention to reduce opioid-related risks and fatalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a pilot post-overdose follow-up program in Chicago.
• To outline eligible overdose incidents, services provided, and identify program barriers and successes.

Main Methods:

• The Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement Overdose Response Team (CARE ORT) pilot involved a two-person team (community paramedic, peer recovery coach).
• The team followed up with individuals within 24-72 hours of an opioid overdose to offer treatment connections, overdose education, and harm reduction supplies.

Main Results:

• Over 14 months, 2875 eligible overdose events occurred; 723 individuals were approached, and 65 accepted services.
• Most patients served by CARE ORT had overdosed in private residences and reported stable housing.
• Nearly half of patients were referred to treatment, with a majority for medication-assisted recovery.

Conclusions:

• The CARE ORT model successfully engaged a high-risk population, primarily older, non-Hispanic Black men with stable housing.
• Despite challenges with data and referrals, the program navigated urban barriers to connect a marginalized group with vital services.