What the study found
Community naloxone distribution programs in Kansas were linked, in survey responses, with reported opioid poisoning reversals and survival after naloxone use. The study also found barriers to consistent naloxone carriage and to seeking medical care after a reversal.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that naloxone distribution programs may support opioid overdose harm reduction by equipping laypersons to respond to poisoning events. The findings indicate that barriers remain, especially around post-reversal medical care and consistently carrying naloxone.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional, electronic survey with participants connected to a nonprofit distribution partner in Kansas. Eligible respondents were people or organizational representatives who had obtained a free naloxone kit from DCCCA between November 2021 and April 2025 or used a naloxone vending machine in Wichita between May and June 2025.
What worked and what didn't
Among 767 respondents, 32.1% reported witnessing an opioid poisoning and 14.8% reported administering naloxone at least once. Nearly all reported administrations resulted in survival, and 73.3% of recipients sought medical care after reversal; the most common reason for declining care was believing it was not necessary (70.0%).
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes a survey study, so the results reflect self-reported experiences rather than direct observation. It does not provide additional limitations beyond the scope of the sample and survey design.
Key points
- In a survey of 767 respondents, 14.8% reported administering naloxone at least once.
- Nearly all reported naloxone administrations resulted in survival.
- After a reversal, 73.3% of recipients sought medical care; the most common reason for not doing so was thinking it was unnecessary.
- Forgetfulness was the most frequently reported barrier to carrying naloxone (27.0%).
- Among organizational representatives, 63.5% reported offering naloxone training and 23.5% distributed naloxone kits.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Kansas naloxone recipients reported survival after reversals
- Authors:
- Tiffany Huynh, Ashley Haynes, Hayrettin Okut, Rosalee Zackula, Chrissy Mayer, Kaylee Hervey, Elizabeth Ablah
- Institutions:
- University of Kansas, Davidson County Community College, Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-22
- OpenAlex record:
- View
- Image credit:
- Photo by HASTYWORDS on Pixabay · Pixabay License
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