On International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st, the Villa Maraini-CRI Foundation and the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer” at La Sapienza University of Rome launched the innovative “THN- R(H)OME” project. This program, which provides free nasal spray Naloxone to prevent opioid overdose deaths, represents a significant advancement for the Rome Consensus 2.0 (RC2), which advocates for drug policies based on harm reduction and human rights.
Significance of the Project for the Rome Consensus 2.0
The launch of “THN- R(H)OME” marks an important achievement for the Rome Consensus 2.0, as it aligns with its principles of promoting person-centered public health approaches instead of punitive strategies. The project reinforces the RC2’s mission to reduce the harms associated with drug policies by providing accessible and effective tools to save lives. By offering training and Naloxone to family members, friends, and overdose witnesses, this initiative empowers communities to quickly intervene in emergency situations, preventing unnecessary tragedies.
Prof. Massimo Barra, founder of Villa Maraini-CRI and advocate for RC2, highlighted the relevance of this effort: “This is more than a project; it is a step towards a paradigm shift in how we address overdoses and addictions. Knowing that anyone can save a life with a simple nasal spray is an achievement that we must communicate widely.”
The Role of Villa Maraini and La Sapienza Rome
Villa Maraini-CRI, as an Italian Red Cross agency specializing in addiction care, brings decades of experience in overdose prevention. They have saved over 3,000 lives through the use of Naloxone and continue to be an example of effective on-the-ground intervention. The collaboration with the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer” at La Sapienza University of Rome ensures an evidence-based approach, supported by scientific research that underpins the project’s effectiveness.
Aldo Badiani, a professor at La Sapienza, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Our goal is not only to save lives but also to generate data that can convince Italian institutions to invest more in addiction prevention.”
Key Facts About Overdose in Europe
According to the European Drug Report 2024, there were 1,800 heroin overdose deaths in the European Union, with a notable increase in deaths among people aged 50 to 64. These data underscore the need for interventions like the “THN- R(H)OME” project, which can reach all ages and demographic groups.
The launch of “THN- R(H)OME” is a milestone for the Rome Consensus 2.0 and the Villa Maraini Foundation, underscoring the commitment of both organizations to promoting more humane and effective drug policies. This initiative not only saves lives but also drives a cultural shift towards more compassionate and harm-reduction-based approaches.
For more information about the project or to get involved, contact the Villa Maraini Foundation at +39 0665753055.