Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ92429

Our drug policy is rooted in a harm reduction approach which recognises substance misuse as a public health issue as opposed to one that is solely related to criminal justice. Our aim is to ensure people in Wales are aware of the dangers and the impact of substance misuse to enable them to make informed choices and to know where they can seek out help and support.

We have continued funding to support our national naloxone programme and this is as important as ever given the increase in prevalence of synthetic opioids. Since the start of naloxone distribution, more than 41,000 kits have been distributed, of which more than 3,000 have been used to reverse an overdose

We are the first country in the UK to fully roll out peer-to-peer distribution of naloxone and, in addition to this, all police forces in Wales have officers carrying nasal naloxone. In total, 810 nasal naloxone kits have been supplied to police officers and officers have used naloxone 89 times. This in essence is 89 lives saved.

More recently, our national helpline DAN 24/7, funded by the Welsh Government, launched the all Wales naloxone click and deliver page on 31 August 2023 Naloxone Click and Deliver – DAN 247. This is a simple and easy to use platform which allows website users to complete naloxone training and order a lifesaving kit. More than 480 kits have been sent out, greatly increasing access to the general public.

My officials have recently agreed additional funding to DAN 24/7 to take forward a campaign using existing LED signs to incorporate harm reduction messages about the risk of contaminated drugs, and the need to carry naloxone. These signs have been displayed in a range of public places and allow a far greater reach to people who otherwise may not get any information.