New York State Department of Health Announces Study Confirming Naloxone as a Cost-Effective Tool to Prevent Overdose Deaths

Study Published in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice Highlights Naloxone's Life-Saving Impact

For Every $1 Spent, Return On Investment Totals $3,219

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study confirming that naloxone is both an evidence-based and cost-effective intervention for preventing overdose deaths.  The study, published in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice and coauthored by State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, Department researchers and a Brown University colleague, found that naloxone is highly effective at reversing overdoses while delivering significant public health benefits.

"This is a groundbreaking study demonstrating naloxone is a very cost-effective public health resource, and one of the most powerful tools we have to fight the opioid overdose epidemic," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "By making naloxone widely available, we ensure New Yorkers are prepared to provide immediate assistance to someone in crisis, potentially saving their life.  This study further demonstrates naloxone's public health impact."

This study is the first time a state health department has conducted a robust health economic evaluation on naloxone administration demonstrating its cost-effectiveness.  The analysis found a return on investment of $3,219 for every $1 spent.  Researchers reviewed data collected from April of 2023 to March of 2025, examining how many times naloxone was administered, outcomes for overdose victims, and program costs under the Department's Opioid Overdose Prevention Program.  The results concluded that in those two years, naloxone saved more than 6,500 lives, representing more than 204,000 years of life.  The study also concluded naloxone distribution was economically beneficial – its impact indicating that financial efforts are important public health investments.  Naloxone is the cornerstone of New York State's harm-reduction approach to preventing overdoses.  The Department continues to advance strategies such as early access to drug treatment, access to medical and social services, and monitoring of pain management prescription practices to prevent opioid use or overuse in the first place.  New York State's Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs provide training for recognizing and reacting to an overdose, as well as naloxone at no cost to the public.  In addition to fentanyl testing strips, 4 mg naloxone distribution products can be found in pharmacies – no prescription necessary.  The Naloxone Co-Payment Assistance Program provides additional support for New Yorkers to obtain the 4mg intranasal naloxone products and other naloxone variations, like intra muscular naloxone.  For information on how to access naloxone in your community, visit the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program and Pharmacy Directories.