RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Facilitators, barriers and lessons learnt from the first state-wide naloxone distribution conducted in West Virginia JF Injury Prevention JO Inj Prev FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 369 OP 374 DO 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043666 VO 27 IS 4 A1 Toni Marie Rudisill A1 Alexandria J Ashraf A1 Herbert I Linn A1 Sheena Sayres A1 James E Jeffries A1 Kelly K Gurka YR 2021 UL http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/27/4/369.abstract AB Background Overdose education and naloxone distribution programmes are known to reduce opioid-related deaths. A state-wide naloxone distribution effort of 8250 rescue kits was undertaken by government, community and university partners in West Virginia in 2016–2017. The purpose of this study was to discern the barriers, facilitators and lesson learnt from implementing this endeavour in a rural state with the highest opioid overdose fatality rate in the US.Methods Structured interviews (n=26) were conducted among both internal and external stakeholders. Those who participated were >18 years of age and were the lead representative from agencies that either received naloxone (ie, external stakeholders) or helped implement the distribution (ie, internal stakeholders). The interviews followed standardised scripts and lasted approximately 40 min. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was performed by two researchers to determine themes surrounding facilitators or barriers to programme implementation.Results The primary facilitators reported by stakeholders included collaborative partnerships, ease of participating in the programme, being established in prevention efforts, demand for naloxone and the need for personal protection from overdose. The primary barriers identified by stakeholders included bureaucracy/policy/procedures of their organisation or agency, stigma, logistical or planning issues, problems with reporting, lack of communication post distribution and sustainability. Numerous lessons were learnt.Conclusions Based on the implementation of the programme in 87 organisations, including law enforcement and fire departments, the impact of facilitators outweighed that of barriers. These findings may inform others planning to conduct a similar, large-scale project.No data are available.