Situational Analysis

A unique community response to the opioid epidemic. The Safe Station concept was created from a simple idea – to give people 24/7 rapid access to substance use disorder treatment at a universally recognized safe location.

Goals

Reduce deaths from opioid misuse and provide rapid, unfettered access to substance misuse treatment programs 24/7.

Project Intent
To provide a simple gateway to one-on-one resources for individuals requesting treatment, counseling or coaching for substance use disorders (SUDs) in the community.

Short-term Goals
• Decrease death from opioid overdose’s in the community
• Provide a gateway to available recovery services
• Increase access to a safe, non-judgmental environment for those seeking SUD help

Long-term Goals
• Strengthen the referral system for individuals seeking help
• Assist in a coordinated continuum of care linking detox and ongoing treatment

Planning & Implementation

Manchester project began May 2016

Nashua project began November 2016

Both remain ongoing in 2019 and more than 7,000 people have accessed the two programs.

Results

Nashua’s epidemiologist performed a statistical analysis of the Safe Station data for both Nashua and Manchester. She determined:
• Manchester Safe Station participants were 53 percent less likely to non-fatally overdose after entering Safe Stations compared to before entry into Safe Stations. This result is statistically significant and not likely due to chance.
• Manchester Safe Station participants were 86 percent less likely to experience a fatal overdose after entering Safe Stations compared to before entry into Safe Stations. This result is statistically significant and not likely due to chance.
• Nashua Safe Station participants were 65 percent less likely to non-fatally overdose after entering Safe Stations compared to before entry into Safe Stations. This result is statistically significant and not likely due to chance.
• Nashua Safe Station participants were 89 percent less likely to experience a fatal overdose after entering Safe Stations compared to before entry into Safe Stations. This result is statistically significant and not likely due to chance.

How do we know it’s working?
• They keep coming … and it’s not the same people
How can we prove it’s working?
Perhaps the biggest challenge of all!
• Evidence-based outcome data is needed, but it’s tough to get
• It’s a highly mobile population
• They’re poor historians of their medical history
• Relapse is common – it’s a part of the disease
• What works for one does not always work for others
• When does “recovery” really happen?
• How is “recovery” defined?

Challenges to Safe Station Program Sustainability
• Compassion fatigue of workers
• Resource availability
• Public opinion/knowledge of the issue
• Lack of qualified workers
• PTSD
• Competing priorities
• New substances always appearing
• Funding, Funding, Funding
• Stable, safe, affordable housing
• Jobs
• Transportation

Impact

It has changed the lives of many people and brought two communities closer together
Please see included documents – “AMR Nashua Suspected Opioid Overdoses” and “AMR Manchester Suspected Opioid Overdoses” for further information on year-over-year impact.

Budget

Minimal as it was handled with existing staff

Files: 2019 AMBY Safe Station supporting links.docx, AMR Manchester Suspected Opioid Overdose and SS Report 09062019.pdf, AMR Nashua Suspected Opioid Overdose and SS Report 09062019.pdf, Nashua Safe Station Gateway Proposal.pdf, Total ODs chart.jpg