SAMHSA First Responders Initiative (FR-CARA)

« Opioid deaths in AZ, 6/15/17 to 2/22/18.
Statewide opioid data is now available in real time. See the latest numbers here

In the midst of this statewide and national opioid public health emergency, the Arizona Center for Rural Health, the Arizona Department of Health Services, and AZ Peace Officer Standards and Training Board will collaborate on a $3.1 million federal grant to train first responders to recognize opioid overdoses and administer naloxone (a drug used to counter the effects of opioid overdose and save lives). » Read more

Download PDF: Arizona’s Opioid Epidemic: SAMHSA-ADHS-AzCRH First Responders

“There is no completely ‘safe’ dose or duration of prescription or illegal opioids - anyone can become addicted, or die from them.” Daniel Derksen, MD, Director, Arizona Center for Rural Health

Download Opioid Safety and Nalaxone Use brochure. »

Find more information on Naloxone HERE

AzCRH will work to decrease opioid-related overdoses, morbidity, and mortality by:

• Identifying rural training needs for EMS, first responders, family, and community members to administer naloxone;
• Developing a naloxone distribution system so first responders can have it readily available to administer in rural areas;
• Training EMS, first responders, family, and community members to administer naloxone;
• Developing, implementing, and assessing the first responder Opioid Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment SBIRT curriculum to instruct EMS, first responders, family, and community members on how these interventions in the field.

» Download Executive Summary SAMHSA First Responders Cooperative Agreement

» More opioid misuse information can be found HERE.