Naloxone Outreach to Veterans Experiencing Homelessness at CTRS Tiny Shelters

Abstract

In response to the increase in opioid-related deaths among veterans experiencing homelessness (VEH), we identified the urgent need to prevent opioid overdose. We developed an outreach program to VEH at the tiny shelter community on the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs campus that aimed to increase the number of naloxone prescriptions and provide education to its residents. Through outreach efforts to all VEH regardless of opioid use, collaboration of the interdisciplinary care team, and relationship building between veterans and care providers, we increased the number of naloxone prescriptions from 30.8% to 67.2% between August 2022 and July 2023.