The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) launched a naloxone campaign aimed at combating Arizona’s opioid overdose crisis.
Fast facts
- More than five people die every day from opioid overdoses in Arizona.
- There were more than 8,000 emergency and inpatient visits involving suspected opioid overdoses in 2023.
- Naloxone has saved close to 40,000 Arizona lives in the past six years.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone, commonly called Narcan, is a life-saving drug that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. It can be given as a nasal spray or injection. Healthcare professionals and first responders are trained in how to administer Narcan, but it can be given by anyone – family members, friends, or bystanders who encounter a person experiencing an opioid-related overdose. Overdoses don’t need to be fatal. The more people who have this medicine on hand, the more lives we can save.
How to get it
- Prescription: if it is prescribed to you, most health insurance plans will cover naloxone. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) covers prescription naloxone. AZ Blue members can check their plan benefits for cost details.
- Over the counter: Naloxone recently became available over the counter, meaning you can buy it without a prescription at the pharmacy just like Tylenol. But please note that even though you don’t need a prescription, some pharmacies may stock it behind the counter. Most major pharmacies will have it.
- Community organizations: The Arizona Department of Health Services provides free naloxone to some community-based organizations such as substance use prevention coalitions. The organizations distribute naloxone to those who need it most at no charge. Local organization Sonoran Prevention Works made a map of locations where Arizonans can access naloxone for free: Arizona Naloxone – Sonoran Prevention Works (spwaz.org)
Naloxone campaign
ADHS launched its Naloxone campaign to increase awareness and, ultimately, save lives.
- Providing resources: ADHS created how-to instructions and videos, so you feel comfortable and ready to administer Narcan if you ever need to: ADHS – Naloxone – Give Naloxone (azdhs.gov)
- Empowering Arizonans to seek help: The Opioid Assistance and Referral Line (OARLine) is a 24/7 no-cost helpline. Individuals can reach out for guidance and navigation to treatment. Call the helpline: 1-888-688-4222.
- Fighting stigma: Opioid use disorder can happen to anyone. Many of us know or love someone who has been impacted by the opioid epidemic. ADHS highlighted stories of individuals who survived an overdose because of Naloxone. Sharing these stories helps break the stigma.
AZ Blue also has a statewide campaign that aims to reduce substance use disorder stigma. Substance use disorder is a medical condition and Arizonans should feel comfortable and confident to seek the help they need. Help empower impacted Arizonans by signing our Stigma-Free AZ pledge today: azblue.com/stigmafreeaz.
