The opioid epidemic continues to significantly impact Rhode Island, particularly on the South Side of Providence within the 02907 Health Equity Zone (HEZ). In 2019, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) funded the Community Overdose Engagement (CODE) project to address the high incidence of opioid overdoses in this area. Managed by Reach Consulting, this public-private partnership involved organizations such as West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Amos House, and Project Weber/Renew.
The primary objective of the CODE project was to reduce overdose deaths by increasing community awareness, distributing naloxone, providing training on its use, and fostering stronger relationships between the community and outreach workers.
The initiative began with a comprehensive needs assessment, including stakeholder interviews, surveys of 100 individuals with lived experience, and secondary data research. This assessment revealed the need for more personalized, direct engagement with residents, leading to the launch of the “Canvass to Save Lives” initiative.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialists conducted door-to-door outreach, providing education on overdose recognition, distributing Naloxone, and sharing recovery resources. The initiative utilized bilingual palm cards with harm reduction tips and QR codes linking to local resources to enhance accessibility and understanding. A series of social media posts created by the state and community partners supported these efforts, raising awareness.
Comprehensive onboarding and training for canvassers focused on motivational interviewing and effective engagement tactics. A mobile application tracked interactions, naloxone distribution, and community receptivity, allowing for continuous improvement of outreach strategies. A dedicated “Canvass to Save Lives” website was also established to share further resources.
The initiative was successfully piloted from September to November 2021, followed by a second iteration from April to July 2022 and continued expansion from March to August 2023.
2021-2023 Campaign Summary:
The “Canvass to Save Lives” initiative effectively engaged the 02907 HEZ community through direct outreach, education, and naloxone distribution, significantly increasing awareness and proactive measures against overdoses.
These results demonstrate the initiative’s ability to effectively connect at-risk individuals to life-saving resources and promote overdose prevention in a hard-to-reach community.
