In Denver, the Harm Reduction Action Center provides free naloxone kits to combat fatal overdoses in the community. However, the center’s funding from Colorado’s Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund is uncertain, despite significant national opioid lawsuit settlements. The fund’s budget has grown substantially, but the future remains unclear.
With opioid overdoses on the rise, Colorado faces challenges in sustaining naloxone access. Funding sources like the American Rescue Plan are expiring, putting organizations at risk. Efforts are underway to secure long-term funding, including utilizing settlement funds from opioid lawsuits.
Despite distributing half a million doses of naloxone, the state continues to struggle with opioid-related deaths. As Colorado navigates the complexities of funding allocation, organizations like The Naloxone Project and CeDAR face uncertainties in accessing lifesaving medication.
The current landscape underscores the critical need for sustainable funding to address the opioid crisis. As communities grapple with limited resources, the battle to save lives from overdoses continues.