DENVER — The opioid epidemic is hitting communities of color particularly hard.
A recent study by Denver Health found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults are significantly less likely to use naloxone, a medication capable of reversing overdose effects. Experts attribute this issue largely to limited access.
This reality was starkly illustrated on Thursday at the Denver Public Library, where an exhibit aimed at combating substance use stigma coincided with a life-saving intervention.
“One library patron was engaging with some staff, then settled down for a nap, but people started to notice a snoring sound and checked on him,” explained Brooke Bender, administrative director at Denver Health’s Center for Addiction Medicine. “Eventually, he went silent, and a social worker who knew him came around to see what was up. They recognized him as a regular.”
When the man showed no response, Bender and peer-support specialists sprang into action.
“The social worker couldn’t rouse him, so we quickly grabbed naloxone from our booth,” Bender recounted. “We managed to revive him.”
Following this, library staff called 911, and Denver Health paramedics transported the man to the emergency department, where he survived.
“It saved his life. It was an unexpected turn of events while we were there sharing recovery stories,” Bender noted. “It reminded us of the importance of our work and that life-saving interventions can happen anywhere, anytime. Having naloxone on hand can make a difference.”
Bender emphasized the importance of accessibility: “Even if you don’t use substances yourself, carrying naloxone allows you to provide support to someone in need. There shouldn’t be stigma around having it—it’s a matter of life and death, right?”
How naloxone works and why community access matters
Naloxone is easy to administer and doesn’t require medical expertise.
“Anyone can use it,” Bender pointed out. “This week, during our ‘Stories in Black and White’ exhibit, many community members shared that they’ve saved friends and family with it.”
Administering naloxone is quite straightforward.
“The naloxone comes in an easy-to-open package. Tear it open, and there’s no cover to remove for the nasal spray. I take the spray, place it in the nostril of a person who’s lying down, and just squeeze,” she explained. “We wait a couple of minutes for any signs of responsiveness. If nothing changes, we do the same with the other nostril.”
- Denver Health has produced a video on how to administer naloxone. You can watch it in the video player below.
Bender notes that even expired naloxone remains effective and shouldn’t be discarded.
“Expired naloxone can still save lives and shouldn’t be thrown away,” she stated.
Breaking down barriers
Research from Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety highlights persistent gaps in naloxone access.
“Our investigation tracked the journey from awareness of naloxone to having it readily available when needed,” Dr. Joshua Black, a senior statistical research scientist, explained. “The disparities remain, and they need addressing along this pathway in various ways.”
Black emphasized the importance of cultural context in outreach efforts.
“Our study referenced prior research showing that merely translating materials from English to Spanish isn’t enough; the content needs to resonate culturally,” he noted. “Engaging with community members can enhance this connection.”
Stigma continues to pose a significant barrier, both in seeking help and in carrying naloxone. Black advocates for new distribution methods.
“Providing access outside of medical or retail settings and integrating harm reduction where people naturally gather might help reduce stigma,” he said.
A message of preparedness and hope
For Bender and her team, the mission extends beyond emergency situations.
“It’s crucial to be prepared and truly understand how to use naloxone,” Bender remarked. “In a crisis, it can be overwhelming, so practicing often is beneficial.”
The importance of peer support is evident, especially for those facing these scenarios for the first time.
“This highlights the value of lived experiences and how they can guide others in these situations,” Bender added. “We know these approaches work; expanding access is essential.”
