New pilot service launched to reduce drug-related deaths
Local pharmacies are working with Public Health Devon to pilot a new service aiming to reduce the number of drug-related deaths in the county.
The authority’s latest figures show that there were 185 drug-related deaths in Devon from 2020-2022.
Devon County Council already funds a range of initiatives that help prevent harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs.
But now the council is also looking to work with a number of high street pharmacies in specific locations to help prevent deaths caused by overdose of illegal opiates, such as heroin.
The new pilot will begin with the following pharmacies:
• Exeter Community Pharmacy, St.Sidwell Street, Exeter, EX4 6NS
• ASDA Clovelly Road, Bideford, EX39 3QU
• ASDA, Highweek Street, Newton Abbot, TQ12 ITG
• Well Pharmacy Teignmouth, 9 Regent Street, TQ14 8SJ
• Day Lewis, Pines Pharmacy, 39 Pines Road, Exmouth, EX8 5NH
Pharmacy staff will be trained in recognising the symptoms of opioid overdose, how to respond appropriately, and how to administer the drug Naloxone.
Naloxone is a medication that can be administered by nasal spray or injection and helps to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose.
It will be offered to anyone over 18 years old who is currently using illegal opiates, or an opioid substitute, or who has previously used opiate drugs.
The drug will also be available to family members, friends, carers and others who live with, or are closely associated with people who use, or have used, opioids.
Pharmacy staff will also provide support, advice and information, including signposting or referral to other health and social services.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: "We not only want to train pharmacy staff to recognise the symptoms of opioid overdose and know how to respond, we also want to encourage those who live with, or are closely associated with people who use opioids to access this new service, to help us save lives."
Francesca Bendall, Area Manager for Together Drug & Alcohol treatment service, said: “Every death from overdose is preventable. We work every day to get more life-saving naloxone kits into the hands of people who use drugs and people who are close to them. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners in pharmacies for taking the opportunity to train their staff to use and increase the distribution of naloxone. These pharmacies will help us to reach more people, including those who are less likely to engage directly with our treatment and support programmes. This pilot will save lives.”
Leah Wolf, from Community Pharmacy Devon, said: "We are thrilled to launch this vital pilot programme in collaboration with Devon County Council. Opioid overdoses are a significant public health issue, and the availability of take home naloxone has the potential to save countless lives. This initiative reflects our dedication to improving community health and providing crucial support to those affected by opioid use."
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health, said: "This pilot programme is an extremely important step in reducing the number of drug-related deaths in Devon. Our thanks go to the pharmacies who are collaborating with us on this trial. I've no doubt their help will prove essential to extend this life-saving support to those who should need it."
Public Health Devon will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the service before deciding whether to extend it to other areas of the county.
Naloxone can also be accessed from Together Drug and Alcohol treatment services (provided by Waythrough):
• Magdalene House, Grendon Rd, Exeter EX1 2NJ
• Templer House, Scott Close, Newton Abbot TQ12 1GJ
• Units 3, 4 & 6 Riverside Court, Castle Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1DR.
