266 The Importance of Opioid and Naloxone Education in the Emergency Department for High-Risk Age Groups

Abstract

Throughout the United States, opioid abuse continues to be a major public health concern that many emergency departments (EDs) and communities face. New data shows that nearly 75,673 people died from opioid overdose over 12 months ending April 2021. This is up from 56,064 in the previous 12 months. Opioid treatment and education programs have shown effectiveness, especially in areas of high incidence. We hypostasize that specific demographic age groups are at higher risk of opioid abuse and could benefit from an ED opioid education and naloxone distribution program.