(The Center Square) — Colorado recently announced a $3 million grant to provide free naloxone to eligible organizations statewide.
Naloxone, which is known by its brand name Narcan, is a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. It works by blocking the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, etc.
“Every life lost to an opioid overdose is one too many,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “This funding puts a proven tool in the hands of the people who need it most. We are using every resource available to protect communities, prevent overdoses, and support recovery.”
This comes as fentanyl deaths in Colorado dropped last year, according to previous reporting by The Center Square.
According to that report, fentanyl-related deaths dropped from 1,184 in December 2023 to 801 in November 2024. While a 32.4% reduction over that year, it is still well above fentanyl death rates prior to 2020.
Total opioid-involved deaths saw a 24% reduction over that same period, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“State officials attribute this progress in part to the wider availability of naloxone and other public health strategies aimed at reducing overdose deaths and supporting recovery,” said a press release from Weiser’s office. “Naloxone continues to be a cornerstone of these efforts because of its effectiveness in reversing overdoses and saving lives.
Because of this, state officials say it is important to have continuity throughout the states in schools, harm reduction organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other groups using and distributing naloxone throughout their communities.
This distribution could be at risk as Colorado faces federal funding cuts, specifically the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services terminating $11 billion in public health funds.
While a preliminary injunction has been issued temporarily restoring access to those funds while litigation continues, Weiser decided to move forward with the $3 million grant to ensure that organizations statewide can continue to provide naloxone through June 2026.
“More than 1,600 people died from overdoses last year in Colorado.,” said Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne. “This is why Denver Health believes harm reduction strategies, such as readily available naloxone, are so vital to helping us prevent more deaths in our community.”
This one-time grant funding comes from nationwide settlements with drug manufacturers and distributors, like a recent one made against Purdue Pharma.
Currently Colorado is on track to receive nearly $870 million from those settlements over 18 years. The state has already received $132.6 million.
