Arizona Schools to Receive Lifesaving 16K Overdose Kits

By Staff Reporter |

In response to the escalating drug crisis affecting school-aged children, Arizona schools are set to receive a substantial supply of Narcan anti-overdose kits. The Arizona Department of Emergency & Military Affairs (DEMA) commenced distribution this week, delivering over 16,000 kits across all 15 counties.

The initiative, overseen by the Arizona Department of Education (AZED), aims to combat the growing prevalence of illicit substances among students. Superintendent Tom Horne emphasized the critical nature of these kits, stating, “Lives will be saved because these kits will be in schools throughout Arizona.” He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the STOP-IT Task Force, which is focused on addressing the fentanyl crisis.

This distribution is part of a broader effort established under the Overdose Preparedness & Intelligence Taskforce (STOP-IT), created earlier this year to tackle the opioid epidemic. The concept of placing Narcan kits in schools emerged from a meeting in May, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding students.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) supplied the Narcan kits at no cost, while the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is tasked with providing necessary training. Each kit includes instructional flyers on training resources, details on local health agency partners, and a QR code linking to real-time training on Naloxone resources.

The collaboration is spearheaded by Holly Geyer from the Mayo Clinic and Mike Kurtenbach from AZED. Their leadership encompasses over 60 representatives from various agencies focused on enhancing student safety. Geyer acknowledged the initiative’s success as a testament to inter-agency cooperation.

“The STOP-IT naloxone distribution initiative could not have materialized without the unprecedented collaboration between the Department of Education, the Department of Health, AHCCCS and the National Guard,” said Geyer. She noted that the collective effort exceeded initial expectations, providing not only naloxone but also fostering greater confidence in campus safety.

DEMA Director Kerry Muehlenbeck underscored the importance of logistical support in creating a more effective strategy to mitigate drug overdose incidents. “Through this multi-agency initiative, we build stronger communities and support wellness in our future generations,” Muehlenbeck remarked.

Schools interested in the Narcan kits were required to complete an online form through AZED, with prior approval from their respective districts or charter organizations. Additional details about the distribution process were shared in a memo sent out last month.

The initiative aims for continual replenishment of these life-saving kits, ensuring schools can effectively respond to potential opioid emergencies. Last year, Arizona recorded over 1,900 opioid-related deaths and more than 4,000 overdoses, including 26 fatalities among minors. So far in 2023, there have been over 3,200 non-fatal overdoses and more than 1,000 confirmed deaths, with fewer than ten among minors.