Advancing Harm Reduction and Saving Lives: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Initiatives and Outcomes in Greece.

Background:

This session presents the initiatives implemented by Organizations Against Drugs (OKANA) in Greece to enhance the harm reduction network, focusing on preventing overdose cases and monitoring emerging substances. The initiatives, including the establishment of the Toxification and Overdose Reference Center, the Drug Consumption Room, the expanded Naloxone framework, and an efficiency evaluative study, signify a commitment of OKANA to adapt to the dynamic addiction environment in Greece.

Method:

A key highlight is the collaborative initiative between OKANA and the University of Thessaloniki, establishing the first Toxification and Overdose Reference Center in the country. This center addresses overdose cases and analyzes used syringes from the field, providing immediate insights into substances and emerging trends. Seamlessly connected with the ESCAPE project, it facilitates knowledge exchange on a European scale. 

Current data in Greece demonstrate 150-250 overdose deaths per year mainly due to opioids use. The policy formulation steps for expanding the Naloxone framework and its accessibility to everyone will be discussed, encompassing data on lives saved post-implementation.

Additional data will be presented regarding OKANA's streetwork teams, the Drug Consumption Room, Mobile Units, Hostels, and Day Centers, highlighting saved lives within these facilities.

Lastly, a study evaluating the efficiency of 64 OST treatment units operating in Greece by OKANA, utilizing the Malmquist Index Data Envelopment Analysis, will be presented, emphasizing the importance of evaluation in policymaking.

Results:

The Toxification and Overdose Reference Center emerges as a cornerstone, to offer real-time knowledge at national level of the causes of all psychotropic substance poisonings and drug related deaths as well as the emerging trends in substance use field and new psychoactive substances (NPS). 

Insights from the Athens Drug Consumption Room and the expanded Naloxone framework contribute to robust evidence-based support for harm reduction services in Greece. Results from OKANA’s Direct Access services will provide detailed insights into drug use, naloxone use, and lives saved through close monitoring over two years.

The study highlights the importance of evaluating the efficiency and productivity of the services to use the results for advocating policy and decision makers.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this session illuminates Greece's progress in harm reductions and overdose prevention, envisioning a future where not a single life is lost due to overdose. Also, the session underlines the critical role of evaluating facilities for the quality of services and efficiency, as well as evidence-based data, supporting their significance and contribution to stakeholders, politicians, and the community. The overarching vision is to foster a safer and more compassionate future for individuals facing the challenges of addiction in Greece.