Posts criticize syringe services programs and stigmatize people who use drugs
Meanwhile, conversations stressed the importance of carrying naloxone.
Meanwhile, conversations stressed the importance of carrying naloxone.
This past week, a video of harm reduction workers appearing to pass out supplies for safer drug use sparked controversy, leading many social media users to doubt the benefits of syringe services programs. Plus, a Reddit user’s story about bringing naloxone to a party led to conversation about how it saves lives. However, some commenters expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who carry naloxone and people who use drugs.
Given ongoing stigma toward harm reduction programs and tools, communicators may reiterate the benefits of SSPs and explain how naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending nationally in conversations about opioids
On April 9, an X user shared a video of harm reduction workers appearing to distribute supplies for safer drug use. The post—which received approximately 19,300 views as of April 16—called the supplies “suicide kits” and falsely suggested that SSPs “enable” drug use. Most comments agreed with the post’s sentiment and expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use drugs.
On April 12, a Reddit user shared a post stating that a man at a party insulted them for carrying Narcan on their keychain. The post received approximately 4,600 upvotes and 1,500 comments as of April 16. Most comments expressed support for the author of the post, noting that Narcan saves lives. Some shared personal stories about using Narcan to revive people who had overdosed. A few comments expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use drugs and suggested that anyone who feels like they need to carry Narcan should make new friends.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about opioids.
Confusion about the benefits of SSPs is ongoing. In response, communicators may explain that SSPs offer a wide range of services in addition to tools for safer drug use, like infectious disease testing and treatment, vaccinations, and referrals to care. SSPs have been shown to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, which benefits the whole community.
Conversations about naloxone provide an opportunity to outline the signs of an opioid overdose and explain that naloxone—often sold under the brand name Narcan—is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Communicators may note that people can purchase naloxone over the counter at pharmacies. Naloxone is also available for purchase at some grocery stores and convenience stores, as well as online. It may also be available for free through local harm reduction programs or vending machines, so sharing information about accessing free naloxone is recommended. Additional messaging may explain how to use naloxone and direct community members to any local naloxone trainings. Communicators may stress that anyone can carry and administer naloxone and that having naloxone available saves lives.