In an effort to combat the opioid crisis, Cochise County is stepping up with free Narcan kits and educational resources. Recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day, county health locations are now stocked with the life-saving medication designed to reverse opioid overdoses. These kits, available to anyone who walks in, reaffirm the county’s commitment to public safety in the midst of a nationwide struggle against the potent drug fentanyl.
Barbara Lang, the Director of Cochise County Health and Social Services, underscored the importance of this initiative in a statement saying, “With the rise of fentanyl-related overdoses across the country, we want every resident in Cochise County to know that they have access to a powerful tool that can save lives.” According to the announcement from the county's official website, carrying Narcan is encouraged not as an expectation of witnessing an overdose, but as a measure of preparedness.
In addition to handing out Narcan, the county has produced short training videos on how to properly administer the medication. These instructional materials are designed to make it easy for bystanders and first responders to provide swift assistance in an emergency. Anyone interested can access these videos on the county website, ready to educate themselves on overdose prevention with just a few clicks.
Narcan kits are available for pickup during regular business hours at various Cochise County Health and Social Services offices as part of the county's commitment to supporting community health and safety. Residents may obtain kits at the following locations: 1415 Melody Lane, Building A, Bisbee, AZ 85603 (520-432-9400); 1012 N G Avenue, Suite 101, Douglas, AZ 85607 (520-805-5600); 4115 E Foothills Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520-803-3900); 450 S Haskell Avenue, Willcox, AZ 85643 (520-384-7100); and 126 W 5th Street, Benson, AZ 85602 (520-586-8200).
