Arizona families that are dealing with opioid addiction have a concrete number to hold onto this month. Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that the state’s naloxone distribution program has helped reverse more than 500 reported overdoses since it began. Opioid settlement dollars funded the milestone.
For Arizona residents, searching for addiction treatment centers the program also shows what a functioning harm reduction network looks like on the ground. Free reversal medication reaches counties shelters schools and tribal communities.
How the Program Works
The program uses funds from opioid settlement agreements with major pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers.
It does not rely on state tax dollars. In 2024 and 2025 Teva Pharmaceuticals shipped 55,442 units of naloxone to 13 Arizona counties and eight community organizations. Each unit contained two doses.
Those recipients include Andre House Central Arizona Shelter Services, Sonoran Prevention Works, Arizona Poison Control and the Arizona High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
The medication then reached more people through the network. Community organizations received naloxone along with 35 schools, 63 healthcare agencies and physicians members of the public and the Hopi Nation. Some community organizations report reversing as many as 12 overdoses each day with naloxone from the program.
What Happens in 2026
The supply pipeline continues to grow. Teva plans to ship another 27,721 units this year. Hikma Pharmaceuticals expects to deliver 6,599 units by the end of the year. Amneal Pharmaceuticals began a four year commitment in September 2026 with an initial shipment of 8 428 units.
“Every unit of naloxone we put into the hands of a first responder a shelter worker a healthcare provider a teacher or a parent is a chance at saving a life” Mayes said in the announcement. “At least 500 Arizonans are alive today because we held pharmaceutical companies accountable.”
Understanding Naloxone
Naloxone rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors. It works against heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and other opioids.
The medication does not affect someone who has no opioids in their system. It also does not treat opioid addiction.
Common signs of an opioid overdose include very small pupils slow or shallow breathing an inability to speak limp limbs and pale or bluish skin. Anyone who sees these signs should give naloxone if it is available and call 911.
Local Resources and Next Steps
Naloxone can keep someone alive long enough to receive emergency care. It does not address the underlying opioid addiction. If you or someone you love struggles with opioid use addiction treatment centers in Arizona offer detox, medication assisted treatment and residential programs.
The state also runs the OARLine at 1-888-688-4222. People can call for help with opioid use disorder.
Addictions.com lists verified addiction treatment centers in Arizona. The site lets people filter options by accepted insurance and level of care. Search for addiction treatment centers in Arizona to compare local options or call
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