Community News

CalOptima Provides Ongoing OD Prevention via Distribution Events

 

by: James Chisum
Published: July 22, 2024

 

ORANGE...To combat the growing fentanyl epidemic, CalOptima Health recently distributed more than 16,000 free doses of naloxone during an event in Orange where representatives from doctor offices, hospitals and community organizations attended. The participants picked up the medication in cases and committed to speeding the life-saving medication into the hands of CalOptima Health members as a tool to prevent accidental opioid overdoses.

The event was part of CalOptima Health’s Drive to Revive campaign, a Board of Directors-approved effort to arm members and community members with nasal spray doses of Kloxxado, naloxone’s brand name, and information on how to use it. CalOptima Health has distributed naloxone at six prior health fairs as well.

“The fentanyl and opioid overdose epidemic can affect anyone, and naloxone can make all the difference in an emergency situation, just like a defibrillator for cardiac arrest or epinephrine for an allergic reaction,” said Richard Pitts, D.O., Ph.D., CalOptima Health’s Chief Medical Officer. “Our free distribution program enables CalOptima Health to put this lifesaving medicine in more hands when seconds count to save someone’s life.”

A county organized health system, CalOptima Health provides quality health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves more than 923,000 members with a network of 11,200 primary care doctors and specialists and 40 acute and rehab hospitals.