In response to a troubling uptick in overdoses within Denver, notably those involving fentanyl, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is urgently scaling up its overdose prevention strategies. As reported by DDPHE, the city has launched two new funding opportunities aimed at harm reduction and enhancing behavioral health services.
Seeing a rise in nonfatal overdoses recently, Denver health officials are distributing overdose-reversing drugs like naloxone, as well as resources such as fentanyl test strips. Although the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner hasn't seen drugs like carfentanil or nitazenes in their findings so far this year, these new measures are a response to the problem while cases are still pending toxicological screening. Persistent collaboration with community partners has led to over 60,000 doses of naloxone and nearly 70,000 fentanyl test strips being handed out to Denver's populace since 2022.
Amplifying these life-saving efforts, the city has announced the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Grant, which is funded by the CDC and will provide about $1.8 million annually until 2028. The grant focuses on overdose prevention education, distribution of naloxone, normalization strategies to reduce stigma, and advancements in data collection about overdoses. Denver seeks partners who can also aid in pain management and substance use disorder treatments. Applications are set to open April 1.
To further support individuals grappling with complex needs, Denver's Behavioral Health Services RFP is another funding opportunity targeting organizations that provide mental health and substance use assessments, offer transitional housing, and facilitate long-term housing supports. These programs, aiming to integrate medication-assisted treatment among other services, correspond with the city's concerted efforts through initiatives like Roads to Recovery and All in Mile High. Proposals for the Behavioral Health Services funding are due by April 2.
The City of Denver urges those using drugs to employ harm reduction measures such as carrying naloxone, not using alone, and testing substances when feasible. Naloxone has proven highly effective against opioid overdoses, however, it cannot counteract the effects of substances like methamphetamine or cocaine. If an individual is non-responsive and doesn't react to naloxone, rescue breathing techniques are recommended. Administering naloxone mistakenly in non-opioid overdose cases should yield no adverse effects.
