The government has announced plans to increase access to a life-saving drug overdose medication in homeless shelters and for the general public. The medication in question, naloxone, is currently only available by prescription and can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, providing vital time for individuals to seek emergency medical assistance.
Ministers intend to consult on the distribution of naloxone to hostels, day centers, and facilities catering to individuals experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping. Additionally, there are proposals to supply naloxone to emergency personnel at organizations such as Border Force and the National Crime Agency. The government is also exploring innovative methods to make naloxone more accessible by installing emergency boxes, similar to defibrillator cabinets, in high street areas and near nightlife venues.
Health minister Karin Smyth emphasized the importance of naloxone, stating that every drug-related death is preventable. The goal is to eliminate obstacles hindering naloxone access for those in urgent need, ensuring that individuals encountering opioid-related emergencies can receive life-saving assistance.
In a recent development, the government expanded the availability of take-home naloxone to emergency service professionals such as police officers, paramedics, and probation workers. By extending this initiative with the support of homeless charities, it is anticipated that more lives can be saved. This effort is part of the government’s comprehensive £3.4 billion strategy to enhance drug and alcohol treatment services.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), drug-related deaths have doubled since 2012, with a record 5,448 fatalities reported in England and Wales last year. Notably, deaths involving nitazenes, a synthetic opioid, have surged from 25 in 2023 to 180 in 2024.
Sean Palmer, Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation at St Mungo’s, expressed support for the broader availability of naloxone, highlighting its effectiveness in aiding individuals experiencing homelessness and opioid use. Naloxone plays a crucial role in saving lives and providing opportunities for recovery and stability for those facing homelessness.
Palmer further emphasized the rising risks associated with opioid use, noting that substance dependence often arises as a coping mechanism for individuals grappling with complex physical and mental trauma, which may stem from or lead to homelessness.