Increasing access to naloxone in public libraries to reduce opioid overdoses

Increasing naloxone availability and use in high-risk settings: public libraries as partners for reducing opioid overdose mortality

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11131382

This study is looking at how we can make naloxone, a medication that can save lives during an opioid overdose, more available in public libraries, so that people in the community can easily access it and help keep everyone safer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11131382 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the availability and use of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, in public libraries. By leveraging libraries as community hubs, the project aims to identify barriers and facilitators to naloxone distribution and to monitor its uptake among library patrons. The study will involve establishing a cohort to track naloxone use and overdose incidents, ultimately aiming to create a safer environment for individuals at risk of opioid overdose. The approach includes collaboration with library staff and community members to ensure effective implementation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk of opioid overdose, their families, and community members who frequent public libraries.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use public libraries or are not at risk of opioid overdose may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths by increasing naloxone access in community settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous initiatives targeting naloxone distribution in community settings have shown promise, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.