Title
City of Phoenix Naloxone Program Quarterly Report (February - April) and Launch of the Opioid Overdose Alert System - Citywide
Description
This report serves as an update for the Community Services and Education Subcommittee highlighting the progress of the City of Phoenix Naloxone Program's third year for quarter 3, February 2026 - April 2026. Additionally, preliminary information about the Opioid Overdose Alert System will be shared with the subcommittee.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
During the third quarter of programmatic year 3 (Y3Q3), 5,281 Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kits were distributed citywide. This represents a 65 percent increase compared to last quarter and a 68 percent increase compared to the same quarter last year. As of Y3Q3, there are 54 sites across Phoenix that distribute Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kits including four sites added in partnership with the Housing Department. Across all distribution sites, 81 percent saw an increase in the number of kits distributed compared to last quarter.
In line with expected trends, Libraries (n=3,665) continue to be the top distributor of Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kits along with the Office of Public Health (n=532) and Human Services Department (n=398). Overall, as of Y3Q3, a total of 38,785 Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kits have been distributed since August 2023 when the program was first implemented.
Y3Q3 marked the second quarter that the naloxone-only distribution pilot has been in effect at all City of Phoenix shelters and the Safe Outdoor Space. This pilot provides two-dose boxes of naloxone at stand-alone displays at these locations, making this life-saving medication easily accessible to people experiencing homelessness. Since its inception, an estimated 1,683 boxes of naloxone have been distributed at these locations.
Overall, the Naloxone Program has shown significant growth this past quarter. Next steps include conducting the annual evaluation to examine program growth and impact.
Opioid Overdose Alert System
The Office of Public Health is also highlighting the launch of the Phoenix Opioid Overdose Alert System. This is a near real-time data surveillance tool that detects spikes in opioid overdoses to signal activation of response protocols intended to save lives. The alert system went live on May 1, 2026. The system was created based upon a literature review, interviews with public health entities across the United States and gold standard practices published by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, the National Association of County and City Health Official’s (NACCHO), and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).
A spike is defined as a significant deviation from the predicted number of suspected overdoses occurring based upon historical data. Spikes are measured statistically, and the formulas used in the Phoenix Opioid Overdose Alert System were developed in collaboration with the Substance Use and Addiction Translational Research Network at Arizona State University.
The alert system utilizes suspected opioid overdose data from Phoenix Fire. The data is assessed by the system on a daily basis and if a spike is detected, the system automatically alerts the Office of Public Health via email. Public Health then distributes alert notifications to interdepartmental partners. These notifications include: the severity of the spike, approximate locations of suspected overdose events, demographic information of patients and information to guide responses. At this time, the Community Assistance Program and the Office of Homeless Solutions are partnered with the Office of Public Health to receive alerts. Once the alerts are received, response protocols may be activated. Protocols may include but are not limited to increased naloxone distribution, activation outreach and engagement, increased access and connection to treatment and recovery services.
Next steps for the Phoenix Opioid Overdose Alert System are focused on examining current pilot protocols and the possibility for program expansion. Currently, the objective is to send notifications of opioid overdose alerts to internal teams with a future goal of engaging with, and informing, external partners. External partners can utilize the information to inform planning, programming, and on-the-ground activities intended to reduce opioid-related morbidity and mortality in Phoenix.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. The Naloxone Program and Phoenix Opioid Overdose Alert System are funded through the One Arizona Agreement Opioid Settlement funds.
Public Outreach
The Office of Public Health promoted the Naloxone Program at three community engagement events during this reporting period. Likewise, the Office of Public Health provided eight in-person overdose response training events to City staff and the public. These trainings both promote the Naloxone Program and provide critical information on how to identify the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to respond in the event that an overdose occurs.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Public Health.