Expanding Opioid Overdose Support and Prevention-Georgia Overdose Prevention - Georgia Overdose Prevention (GOP) is a statewide, community-based organization working under the Georgia Council for Recovery dedicated to reducing overdose deaths through overdose education, naloxone distribution, and community engagement. Since its founding in 2012, GOP has become a leading overdose prevention organization in Georgia, helping pass the state's Medical Amnesty Law ( Don't Run – Call 911! ) and building a network of more than 100 volunteer distributors serving urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state. Despite recent declines in overdose mortality, the opioid epidemic continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Georgia. Between 2014 and 2023, Georgia recorded 11,931 opioid-related deaths, with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl driving the majority of fatalities. Although overdose deaths have begun to decrease, rates remain historically high, underscoring the need for sustained community-based prevention efforts. Over the past decade, Georgia Overdose Prevention has distributed more than 211,000 naloxone rescue kits, trained over 102,000 Georgians to recognize and respond to overdose, and documented more than 15,500 overdose reversals. These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based overdose prevention strategies in reaching populations at greatest risk. Funding will expand and strengthen overdose prevention services across Georgia through three primary activities: 1. Expansion of Naloxone Access: GOP will purchase approximately 30,000 additional naloxone rescue kits (60,000 doses). These life-saving kits will be distributed to people at risk of overdose, their families, and community responders. Funding will also help establish a reserve inventory to prevent annual shortages and rationing of life-saving supplies. Creating this safety net will ensure continuity of services and rapid deployment of naloxone during periods of increased demand. 2. Distribution of CPR Rescue Breathing Masks: The increasing presence of substances associated with severe respiratory depression has heightened the importance of rescue breathing during overdose response. GOP will distribute pocket-sized CPR rescue breathing masks alongside naloxone and overdose education materials to increase bystander confidence and preparedness. These masks will provide an additional tool to support effective emergency response before EMS arrival. 3. Expansion of Naloxone Distribution Boxes (NDBs): In 2023, GOP launched an innovative Naloxone Distribution Box initiative to provide 24-hour access to naloxone in underserved communities. At that time, only three publicly accessible naloxone distribution sites existed statewide. GOP developed and installed community-based NDBs, collaborated with local partners, and created the Georgia Naloxone Map www.GaNaloxone.com to help residents locate free naloxone. The network has since expanded to more than 100 publicly accessible naloxone access points. However, significant geographic gaps remain, and more than 20 community organizations are currently waiting to host NDBs. Funding will support the installation, maintenance, stocking, and technical assistance needed to support current sites and expand this network into additional high-risk communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to overdose prevention resources remains limited. This project will increase access to naloxone, strengthen Georgia's community overdose response infrastructure, and reduce barriers to obtaining life-saving supplies. By leveraging an established statewide volunteer network and trusted community partnerships, GOP will expand overdose prevention services where they are needed most, helping save lives and sustain recent progress in reducing overdose mortality across Georgia.
