Stigma is a powerful force that prevents care for patients with opioid use disorder and those at risk of overdose. Naloxone saves lives, not only through its actions to reverse an opioid overdose, but also through its effect of decreasing stigma. Naloxone is a symbol of care and sends a message that fosters further treatment and recovery.

Patients with opioid use disorder and those at risk for overdose matter. We must take the necessary steps to assure safety, treat overdose, and save lives through effective and sustainable naloxone distribution and overdose prevention and education.

Clinicians must learn to identify patients at risk for overdose and commit to placing naloxone in patients’ hands prior to their departure from the hospital or emergency department.

Hospitals and emergency departments must commit to stocking and dispensing naloxone to at-risk patients.

Payers and regulators must reimburse hospitals for dispensing naloxone, covering the costs of the medication so that there is no negative financial impact for hospitals that provide this service. Regulatory barriers for dispensing naloxone from hospitals and emergency departments must also be removed so naloxone dispensing is easy and can be implemented without fear of penalty.

By banding together, we can build a system of care that effectively identifies patients at risk of opioid overdose and reliably dispenses naloxone to such patients. Naloxone can also serve as a bridge and incentive for patients to return for definitive treatment with medication for opioid use disorder. Together, we can save lives and build the addiction treatment system that our communities not only need, but deserve.