Touchless Naloxone Distribution FAQ

What does “touchless” naloxone distribution refer to?
  • Providing naloxone training + supplies in ways that do not require physical contact
  • Looking beyond traditional spaces—substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities, county health departments, libraries, etc.—to expand access
How can touchless distribution be helpful in rural communities?
  • Reduce the need to travel distances to get trained and obtain naloxone
  • Offer privacy and anonymity to individuals who may be reluctant to seek training in public spaces
Why is this approach important during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Allow for social distancing
  • Boost access during uncertain times, when stress and isolation may increase overdose risk

Note: Patients may need more take-home medication during this crisis, so practice operations should plan to have an adequate supply on hand.

How does remote training work?
  • Drawing on learning from train-the-trainer, SAMHSA’s toolkit, state guidance, and ready-made resources available from states and harm reduction groups
  • Flexible format communities can fit to their needs and resources, with methods such as:

            - Online training: e.g., bulleted text, images, brochures, recorded video, or video call

            - Communication by phone/text + brochures

  • Built-in mechanism to confirm understanding of material: e.g., live questions or online form
How does touchless distribution work?
  • Mailing naloxone: e.g., working with NEXT Naloxone/NEXT Distro
  • Home delivery/drop-off
  • Curbside pickup at an SUD treatment facility, county health department, etc.
  • Drive-through at pharmacy or mailed from pharmacy
  • Vending machine
Who can provide information about laws, strategies, and operations?
  • States are currently reviewing protocols around mailing naloxone. Be sure to check with your state and local health departments for the most up-to-date information.
  • Consult with Harm Reduction Coalition or statewide/local harm reduction groups.
  • Contact us at the UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence Technical Assistance Center.

 

Downloadable version: 
Touchless Naloxone Distribution FAQ (PDF, 90.75 KB)