A LIMERICK-based homeless charity has reduced the incidence of overdose among its clients by 35 per cent in the last nine months.
Novas Initiatives, the largest provider of homeless services in the Mid-West region, recently revealed in a research study the growing number of overdoses among its residents. In an 18-month period during 2012/2013, McGarry House experienced 34 overdoses — an average of one every two weeks.
Almost three quarters of the homeless people in temporary accommodation in the Alphonsus Street centre had overdosed on drugs — and most of them within the last year. Novas, along with its partners in the Mid-West region took immediate action to reduce the number of overdoses in its service by involving staff and residents, particularly those who had previously witnessed or experienced overdose.
In response, a study entitled ‘Head Up: Preventing and Responding to Overdose in McGarry House’ was commissioned and 14 recommendations were developed, including the development of a peers skills and education programme.
In the last nine months, due to such proactive steps, Novas has been successful in reducing the incidence of overdose in McGarry House by 35 per cent. Head of Novas’ homeless services, Anne Cronin commented, “This is still a work in progress as we strive to eliminate overdose altogether.”
“Novas has shown that it is possible to reduce deaths by overdose by responding to the needs of those at risk and involving them in the process of response and rehabilitation,” she said.
Novas is concurrently providing relevant staff training in the areas of harm reduction, safe injecting, defibrillator training and risk assessment. Complimentary training has also been provided to residents.
Ireland has the highest level of reported problematic opioid use in the EU and the third highest death-rate of drug induced deaths. More drug-related deaths occur in Ireland each year than road accidents. And, according to Ms Cronin, people experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to overdose.
“We urge government to publish its much anticipated overdose prevention strategy and bring this issue to the forefront of political debate. Until the issue is addressed in a consorted and sustainable manner, needless deaths will continue to happen,” Ms Cronin concluded.
