ARIZONA NEWS

Avondale approves opioid settlement funding for education, prevention

Mar 14, 2023, 4:25 AM
(Pexels Photo)...
(Pexels Photo)
(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX — The Avondale City Council approved One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement funds for education and prevention.

The funds will help create new initiatives to reduce opioid misuse in Avondale and support existing measures such as public awareness campaigns, educational programming and resources for those affected by addiction.

Funding comes from the 2021 National Opioid Settlement after states and subdivisions sued pharmaceutical distributors for their role in the opioid epidemic.

Avondale has received $161,290 in funding from the settlement.

“We are taking a proactive approach to tackling this issue in our own backyard,” Avondale Public Safety Chief Dale Nannenga said in a press release.

“The city council’s action on March 6 will provide resources to our employees working to reduce opioid addiction in our city. It will also help fund educational programs that will teach residents about the dangers of opioid abuse and how to prevent it.”

Arizona experienced 3,298 verified non-fatal opioid overdose events and 1,847 confirmed deaths in 2022, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Fourteen of such fatalities occurred in Avondale, according to the release.

The city will also expand its Naloxone training program for its staff members this month.

Naloxone, a medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration, can reverse an opioid overdose, and Avondale police personnel have already received administration training.

“We are committed to ensuring our staff members have the resources they need to respond quickly and effectively in any situation,” Nannenga said. “By providing this training, we are taking an important step towards protecting our community and saving lives.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Kevin Salas-Madrid (Photo courtesy of MCSO)...
KTAR.com

Employee arrested for attempted murder in shooting at west Phoenix business

An employee accused of shooting a man last week at the west Phoenix business where he worked has been arrested.
16 hours ago
(City of Tempe Photo)...
KTAR.com

Tempe Town Lake reopens after brief closure caused by increased debris

Tempe Town Lake reopened Monday to boating activities after a rise in debris caused a brief closure over the weekend, city officials said. 
16 hours ago
(Pixabay Photo)...
KTAR.com

4 Glendale jewelry store robbers sentenced to at least 7 years in prison

Four men were handed sentences of at least seven years in prison for their roles in a failed Glendale jewelry store heist last year.
16 hours ago
(Arizona Department of Transportation Photo)...
KTAR.com

Crash temporarily blocks traffic on US 60/Grand Avenue in West Valley

The eastbound lanes of U.S. 60/Grand Avenue were closed in the West Valley for about 90 minutes after a wreck Monday afternoon.
16 hours ago
(Facebook File Photo/Chandler Police Department)...
KTAR.com

Police lift shelter-in-place orders after domestic violence shooting in Chandler

Police lifted shelter-in-place and school lockdown orders that were issued after a domestic violence shooting in Chandler.
16 hours ago
Officer Morgan Bullis was released from the hospital on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Joseph Lopez was ...
KTAR.com

Caller said suspect was ‘very agitated’ before Phoenix officer was shot

A caller said the man accused of wounding a Phoenix police officer last week was armed and appeared "very agitated" before the shooting, according to court records.
16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...
Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.
...
Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Celebrate 50 years of Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade magic!

Since its first production in the early 1970s, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe has been a staple of Valley traditions, bringing family fun and excitement to downtown Phoenix.
Avondale approves opioid settlement funding for education, prevention