Harm Reduction
Since 2016 the Kentucky Pharmacists Association has partnered with the Kentucky Department for Public Health and later the Cabinet for Health and Family Services: Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities to distribute naloxone across the Commonwealth. What started as a trial expansion of the Mobile Pharmacy Surge Unit #1’s capabilities quickly grew into its own full-fledged grant project.
In 2019 the Mobile Harm Reduction Unit was purchased with the mission to continue with naloxone distribution events around the state as well as provide HIV / HEP-C testing and counseling. To date, the program has participated in 71 community-based events and distributed 4,423 two-dose units of naloxone in Kentucky. As part of the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE) grant, KPhA / KPERF also helps facilitate naloxone distribution across the state via pharmacies, local health departments, substance use treatment centers and community based non-profits.
Though COVID-19 has slowed our progress, we are planning to be back in the communities with events that are safe for people to attend in person. As we add new events, we will post them here so check back if you are interested in volunteering to help with naloxone education at one of our events.