Feasibility of a Community-Based Youth Focused Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program

In 2023, there were over 70,000 deaths due to synthetic opioids, which are increasingly being found in all types of illicit drugs, of which 14.7% of youth aged 12-17 years old reported using in the prior year. While several opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs have emerged, few have focused on the needs of youth. Young HERO, a quality improvement initiative, was developed to provide OEND services specifically to youth and caregivers. The Young HERO initiative consisted of the formation of partnerships with community organizations and the delivery of OEND. Potential organizations were contacted, and if they were interested, a Young HERO event date was set. Partners advertised and hosted the typically one-hour event. After events, attendees were asked to complete a survey assessing their knowledge, confidence, and intervention acceptability. Descriptive statistics were computed. In the first six months, Young HERO events were held, with nine of the initial 13 organizations contacted and two additional events with secondary contacts. A total of 286 individuals received the intervention. The post-event survey was available for 177 individuals, and the overall survey response rate was 77.4% (137). 75% of respondents felt confident that they could administer an opioid overdose reversal medication, and just under 70% strongly recommended the event. In the first six months, Young HERO events were held, with nine of the initial 13 organizations contacted and two additional events with secondary contacts. A total of 286 individuals received the intervention. The post-event survey was available for 177 individuals, and the overall survey response rate was 77.4% (137). 75% of respondents felt confident that they could administer an opioid overdose reversal medication, and just under 70% strongly recommended the event. Young HERO was able to reach youth, young adults, and caregivers to provide both opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution. The initiative offers a model that can be expanded and replicated, supporting efforts to reduce opioid overdose fatalities.