West Virginia Executive Winter 2022 February 2022 | Page 100

“ Initial analysis of overdose fatality data led to the identification of several counties in West Virginia with higher overdoses and overdose fatalities ,” says Christiansen . “ These eight counties — 11 %— account for almost 60 % of the total overdose burden for the state . They also rank highly as counties with some of the highest overdose numbers per capita . All action counties are regularly monitored for overdose activity and changes in causal substances . The ODCP has directed a record amount of naloxone to these counties and prioritized them for evidence-based addiction programs such as treatment and recovery programs , as well as law enforcement assisted diversion programs , quick response teams and prevention programming .”
In November 2021 , Dr . Rahul Gupta , drug czar for President Joe Biden ’ s administration and former West Virginia state health officer , stated that the increase in the severity of the drug crisis has prompted the administration to focus more efforts on harm reduction strategies , including the distribution of naloxone .
A statewide standing order for all formulations of naloxone was expanded in November 2020 , which allows individuals to access naloxone at any pharmacy without a prescription and gives community groups and members the ability to train and distribute naloxone to those at high risk of an opioid overdose .
“ The West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute is now offering online naloxone training . After training is complete ,
naloxone is shipped to the address provided ,” says Christiansen . “ This allows people with barriers or difficulty accessing naloxone an opportunity to carry the life-saving medication . It also offers a level of anonymity for people who may not be comfortable letting others know they have this need .”
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE