Title
Naloxone Program Annual Evaluation and Substance Use Planning - Citywide
Description
This report provides the Community Services and Education Subcommittee an overview of the results of the second annual evaluation of the City of Phoenix Naloxone Program.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION
Report
Summary
In response to the escalating opioid overdose crisis, the City of Phoenix launched its Naloxone Program in August 2023. The program was established through Administrative Regulation 1.99 and is led by the Office of Public Health (OPH). The Naloxone Program equips City staff and community members with Opioid Overdose Reversal Kits and provides training on how to administer naloxone. The overarching goal of the program is to reduce the number of fatal opioid overdoses in Phoenix by increasing access, knowledge, self-efficacy, and use of naloxone in an opioid overdose situation.
In its second year, the Naloxone Program achieved several key milestones. A total of 14,660 Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kits were distributed through 15 participating City Departments and Offices, marking a 38 percent increase in total distribution from year prior. Notably, naloxone administration prior to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival increased by 134 percent since program inception, suggesting that an increase in naloxone saturation is associated with readiness to respond in an overdose situation. Finally, a reduction in opioid overdose fatalities was observed between 2023 and 2024, where the number of fatalities dropped from 868 to 711 across Phoenix. In total since program inception, over 25,000 Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kits have been distributed to community members and City staff alike, marking one of the largest no-cost distribution streams of naloxone in the City.
Naloxone Distribution
Naloxone kits made available through the City of Phoenix Naloxone Program include: two doses (4mg) of Narcan® nasal spray, one pair of nitrile gloves, and instructional pamphlets in English and Spanish. The following City Departments and Offices continue to support and participate in the Naloxone Program: Aviation Department, Human Resources Department, Office of Homeless Solutions, Municipal Court, Parks and Recreation Department, Library Services Department, Housing Department, Neighborhood Services Department, Human Services Department (including Victim Services, Workforce Development, Senior Services, Head Start, and Family Service Centers), Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, and the Fire Department Community Assistance Program. Within these Departments and Offices, there are 50 distribution sites Citywide.
Year 3 Next Steps
In the third year of the program, OPH plans to strengthen distribution in existing locations and establish new distribution points across the City using data. This will increase access throughout the community and help ensure kits are accessible to those who need them most. Other proposed next steps for the Naloxone Program are expanding and diversifying training opportunities, furthering volunteer recruitment and retention, launching a public awareness campaign, and promoting program sustainability.
To address the overdose crisis holistically, OPH plans to implement complementary initiatives building upon the work of this program. While the Naloxone Program is key for curbing morbidity and mortality, implementation of programs focused on health promotion, prevention, and treatment are needed to interrupt the cycle of substance use. Potential opportunities include supporting provider training, peer navigation programs, youth coalitions, community agencies, and interdepartmental partnerships.
Financial Impact
The Naloxone Program is funded through the One Arizona Agreement Opioid Settlement funds. Naloxone is an approved abatement strategy and allowable expense under the agreement. Naloxone and most supplies needed for kit production are provided by internal and external partners, and the partnership with VolunteerPHX makes kit packing achievable relative to level of demand. In the program’s second year, total cost of supplies to the City was $46,612.84.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Office of Public Health.