Reducing drug-related deaths in rough sleepers: Increasing naloxone provision in Oxfordshire

In Oxfordshire, Turning Point has used universal funding to enhance existing harm reduction work including expanding the availability of naloxone. In 2021/22, 2,467 naloxone kits were provided to service users, families and friends; including 73 service users who are subject to a court mandated Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR), and 212 rough sleepers.

Oxfordshire has increased naloxone distribution to opiate users through a comprehensive harm reduction approach and trained local stakeholder professionals in Naloxone distribution.

• 1,154 (98.21%) of Opiate Drug Users in treatment received naloxone within last 12 months with average 2.3 kits distributed per person
• 43 Police Officers trained to carry naloxone across a range of Thames Valley Police problem solving and strong hold teams.
• 36 Probation staff trained in either approved premises or local Probation Service office locations across the county.
• 134 Housing and homelessness professionals trained.

As a result, Oxfordshire has seen a 50% reduction in drug-related deaths; from 26 in 2020 to 13 drug related deaths in 2021.