Adiva Islam
Research Mentor(s): Chin Hwa Dahlem
Mentor Department: HBBS
Authors:
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 111
Abstract
Opioid and substance use disorders pose significant challenges to public health, particularly in communities with limited access to treatment and recovery services. The Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) seeks to mitigate these challenges by implementing evidence-based interventions that reduce overdose deaths, promote harm reduction, and expand treatment accessibility. One such initiative is the overdose education and naloxone distribution program in Flint, Michigan—a program designed to distribute naloxone through stationary naloxone boxes and community distribution via targeting business locations using nonfatal and fatal overdose data. This evaluation collects data on the distribution locations, the number of naloxone kits distributed, and any additional harm reduction supplies left with the naloxone (fentanyl test strips, resource cards, etc.). The data is then processed and visualized using R, allowing for detailed statistical analysis and graphical representation of findings. By using the naloxone data and R-based analysis, this study provides data-driven insights to refine and expand naloxone distribution across Flint, MI such as locations disproportionately impacted by drug overdoses. By integrating spatial analysis and identifying high-risk areas, this study optimizes naloxone distribution to ensure it reaches the populations most at risk. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and harm reduction advocates to implement evidence-based strategies to combat the opioid crisis and improve public health outcomes.
