Equipping the front lines: Building a harm reduction program for Louisiana first responders.

INTRODUCTION

The opioid epidemic remains a critical U.S. public health crisis. While overdose education for first responders is well-documented, it covers only part of the broader harm reduction (HR) framework. The University of Louisiana Monroe Harm Reduction Education and Referral for Opioid Overdose Reversal (ULM HERO) Program was created to expand HR education among Louisiana first responders.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate participant satisfaction with the ULM HERO training program and to explore insights from its implementation. Understanding how first responders receive and respond to in-person HR education provided by pharmacists is essential for informing future HR initiatives in underserved regions.

METHODS

This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design to evaluate participant feedback following a single-session educational intervention. First responders participated in 2-hour HR training sessions held from April 2023 to July 2025. Attendees completed demographic surveys and postcourse evaluations, which included multiple-choice and Likert-scale items assessing satisfaction with the content, instructional effectiveness, and willingness to refer individuals to treatment. A series of logistic regressions were used to determine the relationship between subgroups of respondents and the evaluation questions.

RESULTS

Among the respondents, the majority were law enforcement officers (74.5%, n = 741/860) identified as white (64.5%, n = 474/732) and male (79.8%, n = 648/812) with an average age of 39 years. Satisfaction with the educational content was high at 88.3% (n = 588/666) of respondents. Furthermore, 87.8% (n = 574/654) expressed a willingness to refer someone to treatmentrecovery services. The analysis of the subgroup parish of jurisdiction showed respondents from Ouachita Parish to be the most receptive to the program.

CONCLUSION

The ULM HERO program was well received and associated with improved knowledge, satisfaction, and willingness to engage in HR practices. Findings support the value of structured HR education for first responders.