Opioid Overdose Prevention Webinar for ACFs
(Jan. 20, 2025) On Jan. 15, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) adult care facility (ACF) team, along with the Office of Drug User Health’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Initiative, conducted a webinar to educate ACFs regarding the State’s efforts regarding opioid overdose prevention. A recording of the webinar can be accessed here and will be posted to the Learning Management System (LMS) as well. This webinar provided key information regarding the supply of naloxone (brand name Narcan) that all ACFs received over the summer. For background on this initiative, click here to access the Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) and resources toolkit.
The webinar reviewed the Adult Services Toolkit and Resources and the State’s online overdose prevention system, NYOverdose.org. DOH’s Division of ACFs registered with the program and uploaded all ACFs into the system. The information provided in the webinar describes the requirements for participating in the program, as well as the next steps an ACF must take to complete registration.
Is Participation Mandatory?
During the webinar, several participants asked if it was required that ACFs participate in the program. DOH responded that participation is not required, but strongly encouraged, for the purpose of saving lives. They encouraged any provider considering not participating to reach out to DOH to discuss their concerns. If you choose not to participate, do not take the steps outlined below to register.
Registering for the Program
To participate in the program, ACFs must finish some steps on the online portal to register. On the afternoon of Jan. 15th, the NYS Opioid Overdose Prevention Program sent an email to every ACF with a subject line of "Opioid Overdose Prevention Program Registration Account Confirmation." That email will provide you with access to the website; you should go in, create a password, and log in. You will be able to find your facility in the listing. Go to your Program profile, go to your address, edit, and review information. Note that there are two tabs, one a Site/Online Directory tab for communication and the other a Ship-to Address tab; ensure that they are both correct with updated information.
If you participate in this program, the State requires reporting, four times a year, regarding the number of individuals trained and kits provided throughout the year. After the webinar, an email was sent to set up calendar invites and reminder emails regarding reporting requirements.
In addition to the reporting noted above, you need to report when you use the naloxone by incident per person on NYOverdose.org.
Ordering Naloxone
Once the above steps are completed, you can place an order for additional Narcan. It is important to note that someone has to be at the ACF to receive the order and sign for it. It must be a physical address, not a post office box. Once an order is received, you should go on the website and confirm receipt, or if there is an issue, let the program know.
Next Steps
The next step in participating in this program is to train staff. The over-the-counter Narcan that is provided by this program is a nasal spray which is easy to use. The webinar provided a video of when and how to use Narcan and what to do after administration. This training video is also available in the DAL issued in November. The website also has resources and training, and sample policies and procedures are available to use as well. According to the presentation, the administration of Narcan is considered first aid emergency treatment, and therefore you are protected from liability when using it. It is recommended that you store the Narcan in an easily accessible area, possibly near your fire extinguisher or automated external defibrillator (AED), if you have one.
Members are encouraged to review the webinar for more information. Questions regarding this program can be referred to DOH at overdose@health.ny.gov or acfinfo@health.ny.gov.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828