CALIFORNIA AWARDS $2.7 MILLION TO LOCAL OVERDOSE PREVENTION GROUPS ACROSS CALIFORNIA
SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded $2.7 million to
15 local coalitions through the California Overdose Prevention Network (
COPN), a respected statewide learning network dedicated to combating the overdose epidemic. This funding will provide sustained support for coalitions backing COPN's mission to strengthen connections within communities and provide access to knowledge, training, and resources to improve practices and create lasting change.
“Traditionally, the treatment of opioid use disorder has been siloed with limited connections between providers and other organizations, leading to gaps in care," said
DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “This funding will support COPN's efforts to help coordinate coalitions, organizations, and individuals working at the forefront of California's overdose epidemic to prioritize unique, localized needs and implement proven solutions that save lives."
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: The fifteen awarded coalitions will use this funding between January 1, 2025, and August 30, 2027, to implement strategies that address overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery. These efforts include naloxone distribution, expanded access to life-saving resources, and community education, all aimed at reducing overdose deaths and fostering long-term recovery throughout the state.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: More than 7,000 Californians
died from opioid overdoses in 2022. More than 83,000 opioid-related overdose deaths occur per year across the country, 90 percent of which involve fentanyl.
GRANT IMPACT: “As a result of this funding, our coalition will continue providing community education and awareness to reduce opioid use and increase opportunities for overdose prevention," said
Jenn Rhoads, Coalition Coordinator for the San Luis Obispo Opioid Safety Coalition. “We'll also improve access to providers to increase the availability of treatment and harm reduction services across the county."
“This funding will fortify our coalition's current initiatives and expand our efforts to reach more populations," said
Arthur Camargo, Coalition Coordinator for Drug Safe Solano. “Specifically, these funds will allow us to expand harm reduction services, naloxone training and distribution, and community education events and training. The funding will also support our coalition's efforts to update and disseminate resources directed toward prescribers for safer prescribing of opioids and buprenorphine and use our data resources to advocate for the optimal uses of local opioid settlement funds."
By strengthening connections and providing vital resources, COPN's network and training give coalitions the tools and support they need to tackle the overdose epidemic effectively.
BIGGER PICTURE: This project is funded by the State Opioid Response IV grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The project is part of DHCS' broader efforts to address substance use disorders, collectively known as the
California Opioid Response Project, to increase access to MOUD, reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. For more information, please visit the DHCS
website.
The state launched
opioids.ca.gov, a one-stop tool for Californians seeking resources for prevention and treatment, as well as information on how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug traffickers accountable in this crisis.
Eligible entities may be able to obtain CalRx-branded over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone nasal spray for free through DHCS' Naloxone Distribution Project. CalRx is working on an option for individuals to buy CalRx OTC naloxone nasal spray directly.