Letter to the Public Health Minister on rise in drug deaths

We have written to to Ashley Dalton MP Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care. 

Every day, 18 people in the UK die because of drugs, many from opioid overdoses that could be reversed with naloxone — a safe, effective medication few people know about. The Salvation Army's Justice and Reconciliation Coordinator Nick Coke and Addictions Director Lee Ball have written to the UK Government to raise awareness, expand access, and ensure this life-saving treatment reaches those who need it most.

Read the full letter below. 

Ashley Dalton MP 
Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care 
Department of Health and Social Care 
39 Victoria Street 
SW1H 0EU 

21 August 2025 

Dear Ms Dalton, 

We are writing to you to share our latest report, Naloxone: A Life-Saving Opportunity, which looks at the vital role the anti-overdose medication, naloxone, can play in preventing deaths from an opioid overdose.  

Every day, 18 people die in the UK because of drugs – over half of these deaths are linked to opioids such as fentanyl or heroin. We believe that it is a matter of urgency that the Government introduces a national campaign to raise awareness and expand access to naloxone, especially among frontline services and individuals at risk. 

As you may be aware, for 160 years The Salvation Army has walked side by side with individuals struggling with addictions and intersecting issues such as homelessness, hunger and need. Our work in communities across the UK has shown us the devastating impact of opioid overdoses, and we have seen firsthand how the timely administration of naloxone, a cheap, effective, and easy-to-use medication, can save lives. 

However, in our report, we reveal that currently only 14% of UK adults are aware of naloxone, compared to 83% who know about EpiPens and 88% about defibrillators. This is particularly concerning given that 52% of UK adults have either used an opioid or know someone who has. 

Our report also shows that public awareness of naloxone is highest in the countries with a specifically-funded national programme. In England, which does not have such a programme, awareness of naloxone was lowest at only 12%. However, we have also found that opioid-linked deaths are rising across the UK, so clearly more needs to be done to ensure those that need naloxone can access it. 

We believe it is vital that the Government launches a national campaign to raise awareness of naloxone. In addition, we want to see increased training and access among frontline services such as police and healthcare professionals, and ensuring that individuals at risk, particularly those leaving prison or healthcare settings with substance-use needs, receive naloxone as a priority. 

We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the progress the Government is making on making naloxone more available, and The Salvation Army’s efforts to raise awareness and availability of this life-saving drug.

Kind regards, 

Lt-Colonel Nick Coke, Secretary for Communications and Territorial Co-ordinator for Justice and Reconciliation

and 

Lee Ball, Director of Addictions