Welsh Government
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New initiative to lead the way in preventing overdose and drug related deaths

An initiative which prevents drug related deaths will be rolled out across Wales, Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Local Government and Communities announced last week.

The Take Home Naloxone Rescue Scheme offers free Naloxone kits to all drug users at risk of overdose. The announcement comes on the day of a conference organised by the Swansea Drugs Project about the successful use of heroin antidote, Naloxone, in preventing a drugs overdose.

The decision follows a successful evaluation of the pilots carried out over the last two years in a number of areas in Wales.

The Minister said,

“There is strong evidence that the areas which have been using Naloxone have seen a decline in the number of non fatal overdoses and deaths which is why the Welsh Government is rolling the initiative out across Wales.

“Substance misuse has a clear devastating impact on individuals and their families and friends. Our 10-year substance misuse strategy Working Together to Reduce Harm is about reducing the damage caused by drugs and helping people to reduce their dependence on substances by working with partner organisations such as the Swansea Drugs Project.  

“We hope that today’s announcement about the Take Home Naloxone Rescue Scheme will help us in our ongoing commitment to reduce drug related deaths across Wales.”

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