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Naloxone Distribution Project 

About the NDP

DHCS created the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) to combat opioid overdose deaths through the provision of free naloxone. The NDP distributes both 4mg nasal naloxone and 0.4mg/ml intramuscular naloxone, as well as fentanyl test strips.

In 2024 the NDP began distributing generic 4mg naloxone nasal spray in partnership with the CalRX Naloxone Access Initiative.  Through this investment, announced as part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, the NDP is able to distribute even more naloxone to communities in need and support California’s fight against the opioid epidemic.

Since the program was created in 2018, all 58 counties in California have received free naloxone through the NDP, and over 400,000 overdose reversals have been reported. View the NDP Data Page for more information about the impact of NDP in California.

NDP Outcome Data

Eligible Organizations

Below is a list of organizations eligible to apply for the NDP. If you have questions about whether your organization is eligible, or where to purchase naloxone, visit the FAQ webpage.

  • Community organizations, including libraries, veteran organizations, and religious organizations.
  • County public health or behavioral health agencies
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community clinics
  • First responders, fire departments, and emergency medical services
  • Harm reduction organizations
  • Hospitals and emergency departments
  • Law enforcement, courts, & criminal justice partners
  • Local city agencies
  • Organizations that serve unhouse populations
  • Schools and universities
  • Sober living facilities/recovery residences
  • Substance Use Recovery Facilities (inpatient, outpatient, residential) Tribal entities

How To Apply

Applications for naloxone and fentanyl test strips must be submitted via the NDP online application form.  Please review the below required materials for requesting naloxone nasal spray, intramuscular naloxone, and fentanyl test strips. Review the NDP and Fentanyl Test Strip FAQs for additional information about your organization’s application.

  1. Gather the required supplemental materials.
  2. Fill out the NDP online application form.
  3. Agree to the NDP Terms and Conditions.
  4. Submit the application, supplemental materials, and terms and conditions certifications via the NDP online application form.

Organization Types and Required Materials

For Most Organizations

For most NDP-eligible organizations, the documentation below is required in addition to the online application:

  • A copy of a valid and active business license, 9-digit FEIN, or tax-exempt letter.
  • For orders of 240 units or fewer, a brief (1-2 sentence) description of the intended plan for naloxone distribution and/or utilization.
  • For orders over 240 units, policies and procedures for naloxone distribution including:
    • Storage of naloxone received through the program;
    • Inventory and tracking of naloxone received through the program; and
    • Distribution plan for naloxone received through the program.

Number of overdose reversals reported with naloxone received through the NDP (for subsequent applications).

Substance Use Disorder Facilities and Sober Living Facilities/Recovery Residences

For SUD facilities and sober living/recovery residences, additional documentation is required:

  • A copy of a valid and active business license, 9-digit FEIN, or tax-exempt letter.
  • Copy of the program’s DHCS license (if applicable).
  • Policies and procedures for naloxone distribution including:
    • Separate storage of naloxone received through the program from other medications that may be billed to patient insurance;
    • Inventory and tracking of naloxone received through the program; and
    • Distribution plan for naloxone received through the program.

Number of overdose reversals reported with naloxone received through the NDP (for subsequent applications).

Health Care Settings – Including Hospitals, Emergency Departments, Community Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

For health care settings, additional documentation is required:

  • A copy of a valid and active business license, 9-digit FEIN, or tax-exempt letter.
  • Policies and procedures for naloxone distribution including:
    • Separate storage of naloxone received through the program from other medications that may be billed to patient insurance;
    • Inventory and tracking of naloxone received through the program; and
    • Distribution plan for naloxone received through the program.

Number of overdose reversals reported with naloxone received through the NDP (for subsequent applications).

Required Materials for Naloxone

To request naloxone nasal spray, eligible entities must submit the following materials for application approval. Note that a standing order for naloxone nasal spray is no longer required due to the over-the-counter status. 

To request intramuscular naloxone, eligible entities must also submit a standing order or valid prescription for naloxone as part of the online application form, along with the required materials noted below. If your organization does not have a standing order, one can be obtained from the California Department of Public Health’s Website.  

More questions? Refer to the NDP FAQ webpage.

NDP Participants are required to maintain detailed distribution logs and reversal reporting documentation – DHCS may require review of this additional information prior to approving subsequent applications. 

Required Materials for Fentanyl Test Strips

To request fentanyl test strips, eligible entities must submit the following materials for application approval. 

  • A copy of a valid and active business license, FEIN number or tax-exempt letter.
  • For orders of 4,000 fentanyl strips or fewer, a brief (1-2 sentence) description of the intended plan for fentanyl test strips distribution and/or utilization.
  • For orders over 4,000 fentanyl test strips, policies and procedures for fentanyl test strip distribution including:
    • Storage of fentanyl test strips received through the program; and
    • Inventory and tracking of fentanyl test strips received through the program;
    • Distribution plan for fentanyl test strips received through the program
  • Number of fentanyl test strips from previous order that have been distributed (for subsequent applications).

Substance use recovery facilities (outpatient and residential) must include a copy of the program’s DHCS license and/or certification, if applicable.

Contact Us

Questions? Contact the team by email: Naloxone@dhcs.ca.gov