Partnerships Save Lives

The monumental fight against this crisis requires more than just one organization's efforts. Collaborative partnerships are essential in effectively combating the opioid epidemic and saving lives. HarborPath has recognized the importance of localized partnerships and has successfully teamed up with local organizations across the country. These alliances are powerful tools in addressing the specific issues and solutions unique to each state and community, ultimately making a collective difference across the country.

Through our current and future partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, law enforcement and state agencies, we strive to find community-specific solutions and distribution models to help make Naloxone available within an arm’s length of a life-or-death situation. The focus on local collaboration also helps provide resources and support for drug prevention and treatment.

Two nonprofit partnerships I’d like to highlight are the Colorado Naloxone Project and Operation UNITE.

Dr. Don Stader started the Colorado Naloxone Project in 2021 to create naloxone access through hospitals and emergency departments throughout the state. Dr. Stader has been influential in advocating for legislation that helps hospitals dispense free Naloxone to patients, so that they may have it on hand in the event of an emergency. The organization is working to educate medical providers and hospital systems on how Naloxone can save lives of individuals experiencing an overdose.

The Appalachian Region has been severely impacted by substance abuse and overdose in recent years. Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education) has been serving southern and eastern Kentucky since 2003 in providing substance abuse prevention programs, youth education and treatment access. Operation UNITE received a $1 million grant from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission in April to launch its Naloxone-Plus initiative in partnership with HarborPath. The Naloxone-Plus initiative offers a comprehensive lifesaving intervention by utilizing Naloxone to decrease overdose death rates and increase education about treatment availability to those at risk of continued addiction.

Another key area of collaboration is with law enforcement and first responders. Ensuring that these organizations are properly supplied with Naloxone and trained in the various delivery methods (such as nasal spray and intramuscular), we are better preparing these heroes to save lives when facing an overdose or poisoning emergency. These organizations are also terrific partners in proactively distributing Naloxone to vulnerable members of their community.

Recognizing the crucial role of first responders, HarborPath donated 1,000 united of intramuscular Naloxone to the Seattle Fire Department. This collaboration ensures that frontline personnel are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to respond swiftly and effectively to opioid-related emergencies.

HarborPath is also partnering with The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) to help the national organization bridge the gap between law enforcement and addiction recovery efforts. This collaboration enables HarborPath to work alongside police departments, fostering a compassionate and supportive approach towards individuals affected by the opioid crisis. By equipping law enforcement agencies with naloxone and training, HarborPath and PAARI empower officers to intervene in overdose situations, providing critical assistance until medical professionals arrive.

The opioid epidemic and the alarming rise in fentanyl poisoning cases require a comprehensive and united response. HarborPath's partnerships with organizations such as the Colorado Naloxone Project, Operation UNITE, Seattle Fire Department and PAARI exemplify the transformative impact that collaborative efforts can have in addressing the crisis. By teaming up with organizations that possess specialized knowledge and local expertise, HarborPath effectively tailors its strategies and interventions to the unique needs of each state or community.

These partnerships bring together resources, knowledge, and support networks, enabling HarborPath to expand its reach, provide free naloxone, and save lives. The localized nature of these alliances ensures that the right solutions are implemented to combat the opioid epidemic effectively. Together, these organizations make a significant difference across the country – offering hope, recovery support to individuals and communities affected by the devastating effects of fentanyl and opioids.