Title
City of Phoenix Naloxone Program Quarterly Report (August - October) - 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 one, August through October.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Report
Summary
During the first quarter of programmatic year three (Y3Q1), the City of Phoenix Naloxone Program achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 30,000 Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kits distributed to the community. This quarter alone, 5,019 kits were distributed. While this represents an 11 percent decrease compared to the previous quarter, the decline is primarily attributed to the seasonal conclusion of large-scale outreach events and the closure of the 24-Hour Downtown Heat Respite Center on September 30, 2025. In spite of the overall decrease, site-based distribution increased by 16 percent in Y3Q1, underscoring the continued strength of permanent distribution channels, particularly at Libraries, Housing facilities, and Family Services Centers.
Progress toward geographic equity was also evident this quarter. Council Districts 2 and 4, previously among the lowest-performing in terms of distribution relative to suspected overdose burden-experienced substantial proportional improvements in their distribution-to-overdose ratios, increasing by 142 percent and 379 percent, respectively. Furthermore, the Office of Homeless Solutions expanded its role in naloxone access, with four newly operational distribution sites collectively dispensing 498 kits during the quarter.
A key operational advancement in data reporting protocols in Y3Q1 led to a 56 percent reduction in kits recorded under “unknown” ZIP codes and council districts. This improvement has significantly strengthened the program’s capacity to identify service gaps and inform more equitable distribution strategies moving forward.
Overall, the program remains stable and aligned with seasonal distribution trends, while continuing to advance in data quality, geographic focus, and equitable access to lifesaving naloxone resources across the City of Phoenix.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. 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. Through these partnerships, total cost for the City in Y3Q1 was $2,160. In-kind donations of naloxone and related resources this quarter amounted to an estimated $294,730.
Public Outreach
The Office of Public Health participated in 10 outreach and community engagement events in which the Naloxone Program was promoted during this reporting period, including youth-focused overdose prevention activities, family resource fairs, and neighborhood events.
Likewise, in August, the Naloxone Program was highlighted on the City of Phoenix’s social media platforms for International Overdose Awareness Day. Four posts highlighted local resources for those who are experiencing Opioid Use Disorder and directed individuals on where to find a Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kit. Across three platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and X), the posts garnered 643,865 views and impressions and 32,445 engagements. The naloxone webpage on the Office of Public Health website had 3,280 visits in Y3Q1. Of these, 2,538 were unique visitors.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Office of Public Health.