Examining naloxone access and interest in secondary naloxone distribution on an American Indian Reservation in the Northern Midwest of the United States

Abstract

Background

Indigenous communities in the United States experience disproportionate rates of overdose morbidity and mortality due to a range of historical traumas and ongoing oppression. Limited health and harm reduction service access on some Tribal lands exacerbate these challenges. To date, little is known about naloxone access on tribal reservation lands.

Methods

We used cross-sectional survey data from community members on the reservation lands of a northern Midwest Tribe in the United States. We explored the prevalence and correlates of recent (past 6-month) naloxone receipt and interest in secondary naloxone distribution among all participants and people who used drugs (PWUD) recently. Correlates included sociodemographics, cultural identity and spirituality, witnessing overdoses, stigma, and drug use characteristics.

Results

Among 227 Indigenous participants, the average age was 45, 62 % were women, 53 % were single, 29 % were not working, 29 % had experienced recent hunger, and 8 % considered themselves homeless. 91 % said that Indigenous spiritual values were important to them. Sixteen percent had witnessed a recent non-fatal overdose, and 6 % had witnessed a fatal one. Twenty-four percent of the overall sample had recently received naloxone, and 40 % of PWUD had received it. Witnessing both fatal (p<0.001) and nonfatal overdoses (p=0.001) were associated with receiving naloxone. Further, 63 % of participants were willing to distribute naloxone.

Conclusions

Innovative strategies to expand naloxone access that are culturally relevant and responsive are needed in Indigenous communities. Cultural connectedness and shared identity are key strengths of Indigenous communities that can potentially be leveraged to implement secondary naloxone distribution programs.