We have seen more 1,100 possible opioid overdoses reported to us since the enhanced surveillance executive order went into effect on June 15. With more required reporters reporting, we expected that we might see an increase in the number of overdoses reported. During this four-week period, 146 deaths were reported as suspected opioid overdoses.

Expanding the use of naloxone by first responders is an important part of the emergency response. The report we posted this week shows that 820 naloxone doses were administered outside of the hospital by emergency medical services, law enforcement officers, and others in order to reverse overdoses and save lives.  In collaboration with the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (AZ-POST), we trained over 200 first responders in Yuma last week.  Since the public health emergency was declared, 983 first responders have received training.

Last week we placed our first order to ship free naloxone to local law enforcement agencies.  We ordered nearly 1400 naloxone kits to 14 law enforcement agencies throughout Arizona. Local and state law enforcement agencies whose staff have completed this training or training consistent with ADHS or AZ-POST standards are eligible for free naloxone and can find the order form on our website.

We continue to work with healthcare partners on the directive of Governor Ducey’s  emergency declaration to develop guidelines to educate healthcare providers on responsible prescribing practices.  We are updating the Arizona Opioid Prescribing Guidelines that were originally developed and published in 2014 to reflect the latest evidence and best practices in this evolving epidemic.

Visit our website www.azhealth.gov/opioid to get more information and updates.