1042: Naloxone’s Impact: Inside New York’s Landmark Study on Lives Saved and Dollars Returned

New research out of New York shows that naloxone didn’t just save more than 6,500 lives in two years—it delivered one of the most dramatic returns on investment in public health. In this episode, Dr. James McDonald, ASTHO member and commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, breaks down the first statewide health-economic evaluation of naloxone administration. Dr. McDonald discusses how New York’s extensive overdose prevention programs provided the data needed to measure outcomes, why the study went beyond distribution counts to assess real-world effectiveness, and how the results—more than $3,200 saved for every $1 spent—can help other states make the case for investing in harm reduction. The conversation also explores lessons for policymakers, the essential role of training bystanders, and why naloxone remains the cornerstone of a comprehensive response to the opioid crisis. A clear, data-driven look at how one tool is saving lives—and why scaling it matters now more than ever.The Key Role of Cross-Sector Partnerships in Navigating Barriers | ASTHOWebinar Registration - Zoom