A gap in naloxone access can result in a missed opportunity to reduce the risk of a subsequent overdose. The Indiana Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) team identified that a leave-behind naloxone program for emergency medical services (EMS) did not exist in Fort Wayne and worked to address this gap.

Leveraging the Indiana Public Health Analyst (PHA)’s professional network, the IN ORS team met with Indiana EMS Director who invited the team to present on leave-behind naloxone for EMS at an in-service training in December 2025. The presentation sparked discussions with the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) and Overdose Lifeline. Following several in-person meetings, TRAA implemented a leave-behind naloxone program in April 2026.

The implementation established the first leave-behind naloxone program for EMS in Fort Wayne, providing patients and their families with naloxone following EMS encounters. The new program strengthens access to naloxone and helps ensure that individuals at risk of overdose have access to lifesaving medication when they need it most.