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35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
HARM REDUCTION IN SUBSTANCE USE, ADDRESSING DISPAR ...
HARM REDUCTION IN SUBSTANCE USE, ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN STATEN ISLAND; A HOSPITAL APPROACH
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Pdf Summary
This study addresses the high rates of substance use-related overdose deaths in Staten Island, where fentanyl accounted for 80% of fatalities in 2022, with Black residents disproportionately affected. Cocaine and xylazine have also emerged as significant factors in overdose deaths. The project aims to reduce disparities in substance use outcomes by implementing hospital-based harm reduction strategies at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), targeting patients with substance use disorders (SUD), particularly those living below the poverty line.<br /><br />From October 31, 2024, to March 31, 2025, researchers conducted a prospective quantitative study reviewing medical records of adults diagnosed with SUD who presented to RUMC. Data included demographics, socioeconomic status, substance-related morbidity and mortality, and frequency of hospital visits before and after the implementation of harm reduction interventions. Participants were recruited from the emergency room and inpatient units based on predefined criteria.<br /><br />Healthcare staff underwent training using evidence-based resources from NIDA, SAMHSA, and the National Harm Reduction Coalition, including education on sterile syringe provision, overdose prevention, naloxone use, drug testing, and safe drug use techniques. This education aimed to improve providers' knowledge, confidence, and comfort discussing harm reduction and referring patients to appropriate resources.<br /><br />Pre-intervention, providers showed limited confidence and comfort engaging with people who use drugs (PWUD). Following training, there were significant improvements: confidence in harm reduction skills nearly doubled, with 85% feeling confident or higher (up from 46%), and comfort in referring PWUD increased from 30.4% to 84.4%. Knowledge about naloxone administration improved markedly as well.<br /><br />Findings suggest that incorporating harm reduction strategies within hospital settings can enhance provider capacity to support patients with SUD, potentially improving patient outcomes, building trust—especially in Black and Latino communities—and offering a scalable model for other institutions. Ongoing data collection will assess long-term impacts on hospital visit frequency and community resilience.
Keywords
substance use disorder
fentanyl overdose
harm reduction
Richmond University Medical Center
hospital-based intervention
naloxone training
healthcare provider education
racial disparities
Black and Latino communities
substance use morbidity and mortality
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