Expanding access to NARCAN (nasal naloxone) is a critical step in preventing opioid-related overdoses and deaths. To date, PAARI has provided more than 10,000 doses of lifesaving NARCAN to law enforcement, the public, and at-risk individuals.

Due to a higher incidence of work-related injuries and a greater likelihood of treatment with opioid painkillers, construction workers account for nearly 25 percent of opioid-related deaths in the working population. Further, a study by the NYU College of Global Public Health shows that out of all occupations, construction workers have the highest prevalence of prescription opioid misuse.

After participating in the Building Trades Employers Association (BTEA), “Building Trades for Recovery Week” in May 2019, we created the Recovery Friendly Worksite Initiative, with a goal to make trainings, resources, and life-saving NARCAN available at construction sites. In June 2019, the initiative was launched at several construction sites in Boston and in just a short time the initiative has proven successful with more than three jobsite saves to date.

Our worksite training module can be 15 to 60 minutes in length, and covers basic addiction knowledge, how to identify an overdose and administer NARCAN, how to make connections to addiction treatment and recovery services, and reasons for implementation of the recovery-friendly worksite initiative. Larger public events can also include a stand down in memory of those lost to overdose, as well as speakers and invitations to the media, if desired.

A key feature of the program is the distribution of single step 4-mg NARCAN. PAARI is authorized to distribute NARCAN directly to anyone who might be in a position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose at the public interest price. This distribution (in compliance with all state and federal laws) ensures participants are able to use and carry NARCAN.

In addition, high visibility wall mounted overdose kits are provided to be mounted on jobsites to decrease the amount of time between identifying an overdose and administering NARCAN.

This initiative improves worksite safety, reduces costs associated with injuries and death at work, encourages employees to take the first steps towards recovery, and most importantly, save lives.