Jefferson County Launches Leave Behind Program to Distribute Overdose-Response Kits and Connect At-Risk Individuals to Treatment
核心洞察
Jefferson County Department of Health (搜索), local fire departments, and Birmingham Police launched the Leave Behind Program on International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31) to distribute overdose-response kits after suspected opioid overdoses.
Twenty fire departments affiliated with the Central Alabama Fire Chiefs Association (搜索) have agreed to participate initially, with several already receiving kits and more expected to join.
Birmingham adds a post-overdose "Call Back" follow-up initiative, with a peer navigator, social worker, and community support officer contacting individuals within 24–48 hours.
The Jefferson County Department of Health (搜索) (JCDH), in partnership with local fire departments and the Birmingham Police Department (搜索), has launched the Leave Behind Program, an initiative designed to distribute overdose-response resources and connect people at risk of opioid overdose (搜索) with treatment and recovery services. The program launched in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
The initiative makes lifesaving overdose-response resources available to people following emergency calls involving suspected opioid overdoses. Through the program, participating emergency responders can distribute overdose-response kits after responding to suspected overdoses. Kits may also be provided to family members, caregivers, or bystanders who could potentially recognize and respond to a future overdose.
The kits include information about local treatment and recovery programs, community-based overdose prevention services, and other resources available throughout Jefferson County.
Program Partners and Initial Rollout
The initiative is a partnership between the Jefferson County Department of Health (搜索), fire departments throughout the county, the Central Alabama Fire Chiefs Association (搜索), and the Birmingham Police Department (搜索). Twenty fire departments affiliated with the Central Alabama Fire Chiefs Association have agreed to participate initially, according to JCDH. Several departments have already received Leave Behind kits, with additional agencies expected to join as the program expands.
Birmingham's Call Back Follow-Up Initiative
In Birmingham, the program includes additional follow-up services through a partnership between JCDH, the Birmingham Police Department (搜索), the Recovery Resource Center (搜索) (a program of the Crisis Center), and the city's HOPE Team. These partners are implementing a post-overdose follow-up initiative known as the Call Back program.
Individuals who experience an overdose may receive a follow-up call within 24 to 48 hours from a team consisting of a peer navigator, social worker, and community support/resource officer. The goal is to offer support, provide information about treatment and recovery options, and help individuals address barriers that could prevent them from accessing care.
Health officials say the follow-up contact is intended to provide another opportunity for engagement at a time when individuals may be more open to seeking assistance.
Funding and Broader Goals
The Leave Behind Program is supported through grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (搜索)'s Overdose Data to Action: Limiting Overdose through Collaborative Actions in Localities program, as well as opioid settlement funds administered by JCDH.
The department said the initiative is part of its broader efforts to address substance use and prevent overdose deaths through education, collaboration, and increased access to care. JCDH also plans to gather feedback from participating agencies and community partners as the program expands, with the goal of improving services and reaching additional people affected by substance use disorder.
Officials emphasized that the program is intended to strengthen connections among first responders, health care providers, community organizations, and recovery-support services. Residents seeking information about overdose prevention efforts or free naloxone can visit JCDH.org/naloxone.