1 year later, how well is Phoenix’s naloxone program working?

Phoenix has distributed more than 10,000 kits during the first year of its naloxone program.

Each kit contains two nasal sprays to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. Phoenix accounts for more than half of fatal overdoses in Maricopa County.

So far this year, Yanitza Soto, the city’s interim public health advisor, says suspected overdoses are down 12%.

“And it's possible that naloxone distribution and interventions such as extended cooling center hours over the summer months prevented the surge of suspected overdoses that were present in 2023,” she said.

Since the program started, Phoenix has reported a 39% increase in naloxone use prior to paramedics arriving on scene.

Nearly 3,000 city employees and volunteers have been trained to use and carry naloxone kits. They’re also available for free at 17 libraries and senior centers in Phoenix.

To cover the cost, Phoenix has used $90,000 from its share of a national settlement against drug manufacturers and distributors.

In 2023, Maricopa County reported 2,143 fatal overdoses, which could involve one or more drugs. Of those, 1,159 occurred in Phoenix.

Burton Barr Central Library is the most popular location for people to receive the kits. Each contains: two doses (4 mg) of Narcan nasal spray, one pair of nitrile gloves, one breathing shield for CPR rescue breaths, and instructional pamphlet in English and Spanish.

City of Phoenix