Highlights include:

• the European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms,
• research on the effectiveness of the Scottish “How to Save a Life” mass media campaign addressing the rising number of drug-related deaths,
• the efforts made in Athens in overdose prevention,

along with some additional resources that came our way in August.

New members can now join the European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms

C-EHRN hosts the International Network of Drug Consumption Rooms since 2007. In the past years, it became obvious that more cooperation is needed at the European level to support the development of high-quality DCRs. As an answer to this need, the European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms (ENDCR) began to take shape. At the beginning of 2023, we developed the Terms of Reference for the ENDCR, a network aiming to support capacity-building and advocacy activities and to create a platform for mutual support. 

We invite organisations in the WHO Europe Region operating or planning to implement a DCR to apply for membership by reading the Terms of Reference and sending an email to administration@correlation-net.org, indicating their interest in joining the network. Once contacted, we can provide a membership confirmation survey link.

Scottish Naloxone Distribution and Mass Media Campaigns: A Blueprint for Overdose Prevention

Recent Scottish research offers insights into addressing drug overdoses through effective strategies. Two studies delve into the roles of naloxone distribution and mass media campaigns in preventing overdose-related deaths. Scotland’s “How to Save a Life” (HTSAL) campaign, addressing increasing drug-related deaths, aimed to raise awareness and expand naloxone distribution.

The first study reveals that the campaign significantly boosted community naloxone availability. However, sustainability post-campaign requires consideration. The second study shows the campaign’s success in enhancing public understanding of drug-related deaths and naloxone while highlighting that responses to overdose need comprehensive coverage. Scotland’s proactive HTSAL campaign sets an example for similar regions, highlighting the importance of ongoing investment to sustain overdose prevention efforts beyond campaign periods.

Athens Recognized at International Summit for Naloxone Accessibility

In March 2023, Athens was amongst the 5 cities recognized for public health achievements at the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit convened in London by Bloomberg Philanthropies, World Health Organization, Vital Strategies, and Mayor Sadiq Khan of London. The recognition was gained for the steps taken to enhance the availability of naloxone within community-based initiatives and among medical practitioners. Additionally, the city has initiated research into the factors leading to mortality among people who inject drugs to gain deeper insights into the effects of the overdose crisis.

Marios Atzemis, Harm Reduction Officer at Positive Voice, C-EHRN’s focal point in Athens, underlined the importance of recognising those who played a crucial role in the progress, including Professors Angelos Hatzakis and Vana Sypsa, the Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, STDs and Emerging Diseases and George Kalamitsis, chair of the Hellenic Liver Patient Association “Prometheus”. He also added: “We are tired of losing friends and peers from deaths that could be prevented and we strongly support the participation of the directly affected communities in the design, implementation and delivery of programs, services and policies that are addressed to them. We also strongly support and encourage the collaboration of all the stakeholders and the key populations in the drug field as it happened to the naloxone case.”

Read about SAVE LIFE, an inspiring initiative from Denmark

SAVE LIFE is a crucial component of HealthTeam for the Homeless (SundhedsTeam) in Copenhagen, who are also C-EHRN’s focal point. It focuses on outreach health efforts for marginalized people and people who experience homelessness. Since 2010, SAVE LIFE has developed training in lifesaving in combination with the opioid antidote naloxone. Originally in Vesterbro, Copenhagen, the project expanded across rural and urban areas in three phases. Training includes nasal spray naloxone use, overdose recognition, and life-saving assistance. The first cross-municipal project began in 2013, with some municipalities engaged for a decade. Since 2020, SAVE LIFE has coordinated nationwide training in municipalities with a substitution treatment.

Project materials and resources are available on their website, and reports and scientific articles can be accessed here. For inquiries, contact Henrik Thiesen at gg63@kk.dk or alkodoktor@dadlnet.dk.

Additional Resources