ENHANCING NALOXONE ACCESSIBILITY: A KAP ANALYSIS OF KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS ON THE POTENTIAL EFFECTIVENESS OF FREE NALOXONE VENDING MACHINE DISTRIBUTION IN ILLINOIS TO REDUCE OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATHS

*Simin Sabu Jacob, Pharm D, RPH, MPH, BCMTMS and Conny Mueller Moody, MBA

The opioid crisis is escalating in the United States, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids accountable for the 8.2% rise in opioid-related overdose deaths in the state of Illinois in 2022. Illinois initiated expanding access to this life-saving opioid antagonist by installing free naloxone vending machines at the beginning of 2024 to curb the epidemic. Using a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) analysis and key informant interviews, this mixed-methods study evaluates the potential efficacy of these machines. The KAP survey was employed to gather quantitative data on public awareness and experiences of opioid overdose prevention and naloxone distribution and interviews with stakeholders such as public health authorities, pharmacists, and harm reduction advocates. The advantages of naloxone vending machines, according to key informants, include improved accessibility, anonymity, and easy, around-the-clock access. These devices help the community take quick action in the event of an overdose emergency by removing obstacles to naloxone access, such as cost and stigma. By offering training materials on overdose intervention, participants also emphasized the potential for including teaching tools in the vending machine that is accessed virtually or in paperbacks. The discussion also expressed worries regarding continuous upkeep, logistical difficulties, and community opposition. Though there are gaps in the pragmatic knowledge about naloxone availability, the KAP and SWOT analysis showed that naloxone use is well supported. The study suggests the possible recommendation of legislative strategies to broaden the deployment of vending machines, relax distribution laws, and incorporate these machines into larger harm reduction projects based on insights through the discussion with senior experts in the market. Naloxone vending machines would be an affordable and highly accessible option for saving lives and improving public health as a part of possible state funding.