Chair Hudson questions DHS on overdose prevention efforts

We talked about the death rates decreasing for most populations.

Overdose deaths in shelters have declined since the launch of the DHS Overdose Response and Harm Reduction Program.

How is DHS working to continue to prevent overdose deaths?

Thank you.

I think first and foremost is making sure that all clients are referred for and receiving the treatment they need for their substance use issues.

I think in addition, in terms of just operationally, we make sure that

Shelter staff are trained in harm reduction and overdose response.

That staff have naloxone kits on site to be responsive to any overdoses or apparent overdoses.

Pay close attention where we see increases or different trends in terms of overdose incidents or complaints about overdoses.

We also have, we require at each shelter an overdose prevention champion who's responsible for training staff and clients and just keeping the message out there and in all day-to-day interactions about overdose prevention.

Okay, thank you.