A 2022 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that approximately 100,000 people died from overdoses that year, marking the highest number ever recorded in the U.S. Of these deaths, about 70% were male and 30% were female. The opioid epidemic disproportionately affects underprivileged communities, and healthcare providers have responded by deploying mobile health clinics to offer overdose prevention services. These units aim to distribute life-saving medication and provide educational resources about the dangers of overdosing.
We had the opportunity to speak with Mahjida Steffin, the supervisor of injury prevention at the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department (LCHD), located in Toledo, Ohio. Steffin, who has been with the department for ten years, has been involved with their Narcan Unit since its inception. The mobile clinic, which they acquired from us in August 2021, provides crucial services such as Naloxone for resuscitation, a harm reduction center, syringe exchange, educational materials, wound care, first aid, and testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C. The unit operates in Toledo four times a week, assisting 20 to 40 people daily. Focusing on high overdose areas identified through data, the unit has helped a total of 4,000 individuals, with 1,200 of those this year alone. Additionally, the LCHD has reported 394 overdose reversals citywide since January, with 188 of these reversals occurring through the unit.
Steffin shared that witnessing the vehicle’s impact on the community has been profoundly rewarding. She noted that the unit has garnered public recognition and has been frequently mentioned in social media posts. One of the LCHD’s goals for the unit was to not only provide aid but also to raise awareness about available help and help combat the stigma surrounding overdose.
We would like to thank the Lucas County Health Department for all the hard work they do by helping their community and Mahjida Steffin for agreeing to speak with us about the success of the Narcan Unit. To learn more, visit the LCHD website here:
https://lucascountyhealth.com/lc-opiate-coalition/narcan-training/
