In recent years Arizona has expanded public access to naloxone in response to the long-standing opioid crisis. This memorandum identifies some of the additional approaches that other jurisdictions have undertaken to expand access to naloxone to those at risk of opioid-related overdoses.

Arizona allows access to naloxone through the following methods:

1. pharmacists and other specified health practitioners are permitted to prescribe or dispense naloxone directly or by standing order;
2. emergency care technicians, peace officers, and authorized law enforcement and state department of corrections employees may administer naloxone;
3. any person may administer naloxone to an individual experiencing an opioid related overdose; and
4. an individual who receives an opioid prescription above 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) a day must also receive a co-prescription for naloxone.

Other jurisdictions have taken similar approaches to expand access to naloxone, but have also legally implemented additional access mechanisms. Below are some examples of emerging approaches to increasing access to naloxone:

• Vending Machines:

o   Las Vegas, Nevada, recently became the first city to permit the free distribution of naloxone in vending machines. There are currently vending machines at 3 locations  (a behavioral health center, a community center, and a family clinic). To access naloxone, individuals must first sign up for the syringe exchange program (SEP)to obtain a card providing access to 1 dose per month.

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Cabinets:

o    Boston Veterans Affairs in Massachusetts was among the first entities to add naloxone kits to AED cabinets in its building. The practice of placing naloxone in AED cabinets has since expanded to other jurisdictions, such as New York State and Cleveland. Rhode Island has instituted its “Naloxbox” program to designate free-standing sites to access naloxone as needed in real-time responses.

• Overdose Prevention Programs:

o North Carolina permits SEPs to distribute free overdose rescue kits containing naloxone.

o Massachusetts utilizes Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Programs to distribute naloxone kits. OEND programs also train potential opioid overdose bystanders on how to administer naloxone and engage other opioid overdose preventative measures.

o The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also operates an OEND Program that issues naloxone kits along with education and training for opioid overdose prevention and rescue response.

• Utilizing Public Places:

o Michigan allows schools to stock naloxone and train staff on how to dispense it.

o Missouri currently permits the distribution of naloxone in high schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, and YMCAs for emergency use. 

• Drive-Through

o   Alaska held a drive-through emergency preparedness event in which participants received naloxone kits as well as information on overdose prevention and emergency preparedness.

• Online Access:

o   Michigan recently began allowing individuals to purchase naloxone on-line instead of at a pharmacy.

• Co-Prescription Requirements: 

o  In New Mexico anyone who has an opioid prescription that lasts 5 days or more will receive a co-prescription for naloxone.

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The legal information and assistance provided in this document does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. For legal advice, readers should consult a lawyer in their state.