Restaurants Address The Opioid Overdose Crisis in DC

The opioid overdose crisis is affecting DC and the entire country. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is a major contributor to this epidemic, involved in over 97% of fatal overdoses in 2023. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The Department of Behavioral Health has teamed up with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington to provide naloxone and educational materials in English and Spanish at no cost to restaurants throughout the District of Columbia.

Additionally, the DC Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) strongly supports alcohol-licensed businesses in organizing and encouraging their staff to get trained in opioid overdose prevention and naloxone administration. They also recommend keeping naloxone on hand for emergencies.

All DC-based restaurants are encouraged to order a free Opioid Awareness & Prevention Toolkit now. This toolkit includes easy-to-understand materials on how and when to use naloxone and two free naloxone kits for your establishment. For free toolkits and more information: healthsupportnow.org