Grand Canyon Times

Superintendent Tom Horne announced the distribution of over 16,000 Narcan kits to Arizona schools as part of efforts to combat the Fentanyl crisis among school-aged children. The initiative is a result of the School Training Overdose Preparedness and Intelligence Taskforce (STOPIT), which was formed in May and includes representatives from schools, healthcare, law enforcement, and other state agencies.

Horne emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “Lives will be saved because these kits will be in schools throughout Arizona. The STOP-IT Task Force has done incredible work to address the Fentanyl crisis among school-aged children and this is a major step to protecting the lives of students and raising awareness of this terrible scourge.”

The Arizona Department of Health Services procured the Narcan kits at no cost to the state. Delivery to schools will be handled by staff from the Arizona Department of Education with support from members of the Arizona National Guard. Additionally, training on using these kits will be provided by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

Acknowledging those involved in making this possible, Horne said, “I want to thank the Department of Health Service, AHCCCS, the Arizona National Guard, and my staff for their efforts to get Narcan to schools throughout the state and train people on its use. I also want to thank the co-chairman of the STOP-IT Task Force, Dr. Holly Geyer, for her tireless commitment to this process. And to every member of the Task Force, thank you as well for your service to doing this meaningful and lifesaving work.”

Dr. Holly Geyer expressed her appreciation for inter-agency collaboration: “The STOP-IT naloxone distribution initiative could not have materialized without unprecedented collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, AHCCCS and National Guard... Because of their resolve we are proud to offer schools more than just naloxone.”

Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck noted that community effort is key: “The Drug Demand Reduction Outreach team’s logistical support is just one part in a community effort... Through this multi-agency initiative we build stronger communities.”

Kate Dobler highlighted ongoing partnership plans: "Providing Naloxone in schools is a critical step... This collaboration will support continual replenishment ensuring our schools remain equipped."