MACRO-B
Expansion
Project
Reducing opioid overdose deaths and expanding access to prevention resources in Black communities across Indiana
The MACRO-B Expansion project focuses on increasing access to overdose prevention education, harm reduction resources, and community partnerships in areas experiencing the greatest impact from the opioid crisis.
(from October 2022 – September 2025)
How the MACRO-B Project Began
Statewide naloxone distribution data and overdose death records revealed a clear pattern: communities with higher overdose death rates often had less access to prevention education and life-saving resources.
In response, Overdose Lifeline partnered with Indiana University in October 2022 to launch the MACRO-B project.
Initial research identified four Indianapolis ZIP codes experiencing disproportionately high overdose death rates: 46202, 46205, 46208, 46218.
These communities became the starting point for research, community engagement, and expanded overdose prevention resources.
REAL RESULTS
The MACRO-B project set an initial goal to reduce overdose deaths in the targeted ZIP codes by 25% by September 2025.
Within the first year, overdose deaths declined by
already surpassing that goal.
By year three, overdose deaths had declined by
in MACRO-B target communities.
These results demonstrate the impact of community-centered prevention, education, and access to life-saving tools.
How MACRO-B Works
in Communities
Education and community engagement are central to the MACRO-B initiative. Our multi-sector approach combines research, training, and community partnership to identify barriers and expand access to lifesaving tools like naloxone.
Education and Training
Trainings are available to individuals, community groups, churches, social service organizations, schools, and neighborhood organizations interested in learning how to prevent and respond to overdoses. These trainings equip community members with the knowledge and confidence to respond in an overdose emergency.
Training topics include:
- Understanding substance use disorder
- Overdose prevention and response
- Naloxone administration
- Harm reduction practices
- Good Samaritan laws
The MACRO-B Coalition
The MACRO-B Coalition includes 23 community members and organizations working together to reduce overdose deaths in Black communities.
Coalition members include community leaders, individuals with lived experience, healthcare professionals, first responders, and public health partners who help guide prevention strategies in communities most affected by the opioid crisis.
Expanding Impact Across Indiana
Building on the success of the project in Marion County, Overdose Lifeline is expanding MACRO-B resources and training to additional communities across Indiana.
New expansion counties include:
- Allen County
- Lake County
- Vanderburgh County
- St. Joseph / Elkhart County
- Delaware County
This expansion will help bring overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution, and harm reduction resources to more communities across the state.
