Military & Veterans News

VA’s Rapid Naloxone Initiative recognized in fight against opioid overdose deaths

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
veterans affair

WASHINGTON — A life-saving initiative developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs is recognized as the 2020 recipient of the John M. Eisenberg National Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality Award by The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum.

The award acknowledges the national impact of VA’s advancements in preventing opioid overdose deaths and improving the quality and safety of care that patients receive.

The VA Rapid Naloxone Initiative provides free Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution to Veteran patients at risk for opioid overdose. This also includes stocking Automated External Defibrillator cabinets in high risk areas with naloxone and VA Police having speedy access to it for administering when necessary. 

“Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdose and its timely administration during an overdose saves lives,” said, VA National Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Coordinator Elizabeth M. Oliva, Ph.D. “VA is at the forefront of this fight, changing lives every day through the Rapid Naloxone Initiative, the Opioid Safety Initiative, Substance Use Disorder Treatment and our Whole Health approach to improving overall well-being.”

VA established the first national Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution program in May 2014. Based on a Diffusion of Excellence Promising Practice from the VA Boston Healthcare system, VA formally launched the Rapid Naloxone Initiative in September 2018.

This concerted approach has equipped 291,841 VA patients, 3,552 VA police officers, and 1,095 AED cabinets with naloxone. VA’s efforts have resulted in more than 1,950 opioid overdose reversals, with 136 additional opioid overdose reversals facilitated by VA Police and 10 with AED cabinet naloxone.

Learn more about VA’s Rapid Naloxone Initiative, treatment for substance use or safe and effective ways to manage pain.

###

 

Blog Tags:
Military & Veterans News

From Our Member Community

packing things for travel Discounts & Benefits WeSalute Review: Your Essential Safe & Smart Travel Guide As you start planning your next well-deserved getaway, it's important to remember that a well-planned trip is a safe trip. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach escape or a thrilling adventure, preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable experience. While we all want to focus on the fun, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing common travel headaches. From digital security to managing expenses, the goal is to ensure your vacation is as seamless as it is memorable.
couple-beach Discounts & Benefits How to Use the WeSalute Travel Portal: Your Guide to Maximizing Travel Savings Planning your next trip shouldn't mean settling for inflated retail prices or spending hours scouring the web for hidden deals. With the launch of the all-new WeSalute Travel portal, members now have direct access to a private, next-generation booking engine designed to simplify your itinerary planning while driving down upfront costs.That is why we are thrilled to introduce WeSalute Travel, a powerful new benefit designed specifically to reward your dedication with $3,000 in annual WeSalute Travel Cash. Think of us as your dedicated travel advocate, here to help you navigate our new platform so you can see the world for less.
WeSalute You Discounts & Benefits Is WeSalute Too Good to Be True? The Honest Value of Our Service We understand why you might ask: "Is WeSalute too good to be true?" Given the number of military and veteran-related scams out there, skepticism is warranted. For 25 years, our company has built its foundation on trust, transparency, and a genuine commitment to providing "A Real Thank You®" for your service. We believe the proof is in the value we deliver, which we can break down into three key pillars: Convenience, Exclusivity, and Private Wholesale Travel.

Join Our Community.
 

Yes, Get Me Started

Already a member? Login now.