Arizona First Responders Initiative Naloxone Leave Behind Program

This Thursday, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day. In Arizona, more than 5 people die every day from opioid overdoses. First responders are often in the best position to prevent opioid-related deaths by administering naloxone and recognizing those who may be at risk. State law permits EMS agencies to implement Naloxone Leave Behind programs by leaving behind pre-packaged, intranasal naloxone (Narcan®) if an emergency medical care technician determines that it can be used in the future by the at-risk person, family members, or friends to reverse an opioid overdose. 

Training and Naloxone Leave Behind kits are now available through the Arizona First Responders InitiativeNaloxone Leave Behind Program! Agencies that participate receive: 

Training and Technical Assistance

The Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of EMS and Trauma System has partnered with the University of Arizona to develop an online interactive Naloxone Leave Behind training.

Free Naloxone Leave Behind Kits

EMS Agencies that participate in the online interactive Naloxone Leave Behind training are eligible to receive Naloxone Leave Behind Kits free of charge. Each Naloxone Leave Behind kit includes a custom pouch with two doses of intranasal naloxone, instructions for use, and a list of resources specific to each EMS agency's jurisdiction.

To participate, contact Sebastian Thomas at sebastian.thomas@azdhs.gov. 

The Arizona First Responders Initiative is funded by a First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (FR-CARA) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).