VA equips 200,000 Veterans with lifesaving naloxone

More than 200,000 veterans received naloxone, a pharmaceutical used to block the potentially deadly effects of opioids, through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone (OEND) effort. The OEND program is multidisciplinary and focuses on vulnerable populations with educational efforts and Naloxone.

Barriers and motivational factors for engaging in novel opioid and medication disposal-related services in community pharmacies

The study implemented an at-home opioid disposal product in a pediatric outpatient surgical center in an attempt to address the risks of opioid misuse and diversion from leftover prescription opioid medication. Patients or guardians were provided with disposal packets and educational materials during the discharge process. This process led to a significant decrease in retention and an increase in proper disposal of unused opioid medications. Families reported finding the packets convenient and effective. This initiative demonstrated the potential of such interventions to improve opioid safety practice and highlighted the importance of integrating disposal tools and education into discharge planning as a way to help combat the opioid epidemic.