Increasing access to naloxone in public libraries to reduce opioid overdoses
Official title: Increasing naloxone availability and use in high-risk settings: public libraries as partners for reducing opioid overdose mortality
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11131382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $721,217 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA060889-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk of opioid overdose, their families, and community members who frequent public libraries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use public libraries or are not at risk of opioid overdose may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous initiatives targeting naloxone distribution in community settings have shown promise, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cannuscio, Carolyn Christa — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cannuscio, Carolyn Christa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.