Pinal County makes Narcan available to residents to combat opioid epidemic
Nov 28, 2020, 5:45 AM
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
PHOENIX – The Pinal County Sherriff’s Office is making Narcan available to county residents at no cost in an attempt to lower the number of opioid overdoses.
Since April, nearly 600 people in Pinal County have had a suspected opioid overdose, which tend to be caused by illegal counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, according to the press release.
“We have seen too many people lose their lives due to drug overdose this year,” Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb said in a press release. “If you or a loved one uses opioids recreationally or for pain management, Narcan is now available to you, no questions asked.”
Narcan is a live-saving nasal spray that can help reverse an opioid overdose. All PCSO deputies carry Narcan on them, but the county hopes putting the reversal drug in the hands of residents will help combat the crisis.
RELATED STORIES
PCSO has taken more than 300,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills off the streets this year, up from around 700 pills in 2019.
The initiative is part of a partnership with the Arizona Counterdrug Task Force.
Residents can pick up the spray at the Florence, Casa Grande or San Tan Valley PCSO substations during normal business hours.
