Background-Rhode Island has the tenth highest rate of accidental drug overdose deaths in the United States. In response to this crisis, Anchor Recovery Center, a community-based peer recovery program, developed programs deploying certified Peer Recovery Specialists to emergency departments (AnchorED) and communities with high rates of accidental opioid overdoses (AnchorMORE). Objectives-The purpose of this paper is to describe AnchorED and AnchorMORE's activities and implementation process. Methods-AnchorED data were analyzed from a standard enrollment questionnaire that includes participant contact information, demographics, and a needs assessment. The AnchorED program outcomes include number of clients enrolled, number of naloxone training sessions, and number of referrals to recovery and treatment services. Overdose deaths and naloxone distribution through AnchorMORE were mapped using Tableau software. Results-From July 2016-June 2017, AnchorED had 1,329 contacts with patients visiting an emergency department for reported substance misuse cases or suspected overdose. Among the contacts, 88.7% received naloxone training and 86.8% agreed to continued outreach with a Peer
In response to Rhode Island's overdose epidemic, we developed a collaborative, statewide online "dashboard" to provide the public with timely overdose surveillance data. The Web site- www.PreventOverdoseRI.org (PORI)-offers user-friendly data visualizations, plain language education, and interactive resource maps. Development of the site has improved overdose data sharing and transparency in Rhode Island. Preliminary results suggest a successful site launch. Future research will evaluate the effectiveness of PORI in terms of informing strategic initiatives to reduce overdoses in affected communities.
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