So who are , or who will be , the LNPs ? Interestingly the legislation doesn ’ t specify , but it ’ s not a giant leap to envisage that these would include existing support organisations , peer groups , drop-in centres , outreach workers , and more . By increasing the opportunities to supply naloxone , the regulations create opportunities for LNPs to step up and play a central role in overdose prevention . This ‘ on your doorstep ’ approach ensures naloxone is available in the settings where local providers know it ’ s needed and can have the greatest impact .
Operating as networks the LNPs will be run on behalf of the government and the devolved administrations by another new entity , the naloxone supply network coordinators . These coordinators will ensure that the requirements set out in the legislation are complied with , encompassing issues such as training , storage , record keeping and data sharing .
Peer groups and naloxone advocates should seize this opportunity to make naloxone a medication so common place that its use is well understood , it ’ s easily available , it ’ s normalised , and comes without stigma .
IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS While the legislative amend ments are a significant step forward , the real challenge lies not only in their adoption , but also in their implementation . A couple of issues stand out as a priority .
Firstly , training and education : the regulations outline specific requirements that must be adhered to – only by doing so can an LNP retain its status and ability to supply naloxone . Foremost among these are ensuring that those supplying and administering naloxone are appropriately trained to do so . Without a doubt this would include an understanding of how naloxone works , recognising the signs of an opioid overdose , providing aftercare , and confidently administering the medication . Alongside this there are the more administrative elements such as stock control systems , storage conditions related to temperature and security , and recording procedures that would cater for issues such as batch recalls .
Secondly , partnership working : in my experience collaboration is at the heart of successful harm reduction . Working alongside public health teams , commissioned treatment providers , peer providers and community organisations – pushing the police to be in a position where the possession , use , and supply of naloxone was routine – has highlighted that we must all work together to take advantage of this opportunity . Together , alongside existing innovative provision such as ‘ click and deliver ’ or postal naloxone , we can create seamless distribution networks across our regions , while tailoring them to local needs .
WHAT ’ S NEXT ? The amendments to the HMR are another stepping stone towards improved harm reduction , but we all need to work together to effectively implement them . Local authorities , public health teams , commissioned services , community organisations , peer groups and naloxone advocates should seize this opportunity to make naloxone a medication so commonplace that its use is well understood , it ’ s easily available , it ’ s normalised , and comes without stigma .
By working together you can help translate these amendments into real , measurable outcomes – lives saved , families supported , and
NEW EXEMPTIONS introduced by these Regulations ... allow people working for the police , prison services , probation services and youth justice services – as well as a list of registered health care professionals – to supply the broader range of naloxone products , provided those individuals have undergone appropriate training . A new exemption is also created for the medical services of His Majesty ’ s forces .
A further new exemption is created for a new type of entity , referred to as local naloxone providers , whose workers will also benefit from the new exemptions . These local naloxone providers will be part of networks , run on behalf of central government and the devolved administrations by entities that agree to act as naloxone supply network co-ordinators . The local naloxone arrangements that are to govern the local supply are required to cover a list of issues that includes appropriate training , the storage and handling of naloxone products and record keeping .
The Human Medicines ( Amendments Relating to Naloxone and Transfers of Functions ) Regulations 2024 ( HMR )
Peers at Medway Hope on the streets of Chatham in 2022 . For years , harm reduction advocates have called for broader access to naloxone .
communities strengthened . Make the most of this new opportunity , one that many of us in this sector have pushed for . Contact your local public health team , engage with your local drug treatment provider , link in with peer groups , and set the ball rolling on establishing local naloxone providers in your area . Even if you don ’ t become actively involved in an LNP , there ’ s going to be a substantial increase in demand for advice and guidance from the numerous organisations that are newly able
to supply naloxone , so offer your expertise where you can .
I ’ m in no doubt that had I possessed naloxone earlier in my career the opportunities for me to save lives would have been greater . I ’ ve worked towards the position where police officers all over the country now routinely use naloxone , but it ’ s now over to you to take advantage of this fantastic new opportunity to get naloxone into the hands of those that may benefit from it .
Since retiring from the Durham Constabulary Jason has established Meecham Consulting , continuing his passion for harm reduction and providing training , guidance , and policy development services tailored to local needs . Contact him at jason @ meechamconsulting . com
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