Date of Award

Spring 2020

Project Type

Clinical Doctorate

College or School

CHHS

Department

Nursing

Program or Major

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Degree Name

Other

First Advisor

Donna Pelletier

Abstract

In order to develop an understanding of the state-funded community naloxone distribution program in New Hampshire, a program evaluation was conducted. The project collected data on distributed naloxone and opioid overdose deaths between the years of 2014-2018 but focused primarily on comparing data from 2017 and 2018. There were 409 opioid deaths in 2017 and 399 opioid overdose deaths in 2018 in New Hampshire. Between 2017 and 2018, naloxone supply was increased by 38%-493%, varying widely across New Hampshire counties. Statistically significant increases in naloxone distributed to target users occurred only in Hillsborough and Strafford counties. Significant changes in death rates between 2017 and 2018 did not occur for any comparison groups, state, or countywide. Conversely, targeted naloxone distribution rates differed by county. Stakeholders believe that increases in Strafford and Hillsborough Counties were partly attributed to the creation of SSPs in those areas occurring during the timeframe observed. According to the evaluation, maximum benefits in reducing opioid deaths will be realized when naloxone distribution efforts are focused in Belknap, Hillsborough, Strafford, Cheshire, Rockingham, and to some extent Merrimack Counties at a rate that is significantly higher than the rate of opioid overdose deaths.

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