What is the Opioid Epidemic?

The opioid epidemic started in the late 90s with the increase in prescriptions of opioid medication. This led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids. Starting around 2010, we began to see an increase in the number of deaths attributed to heroin as well. In recent years, with the rise in illicitly manufactured fentanyl, death rates have skyrocketed. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 12-month period between May 2020 and April 2021, over 100,000 people died due to a drug overdose. Among these, approximately 75,000 deaths were due to opioids, and predominantly synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Opioid Overdose Prevention Program

The Coconino County Health and Human Services, Opioid Overdose Prevention program is funded via grant with the Arizona Department of Health Services and is part of a statewide initiative to reduce the number of fatal opioid overdoses.

The Opioid Overdose Prevention Program provides education, promotes harm reduction strategies, and can provide technical assistance to implement best practice policies to prevent fatal opioid overdoses.

Program staff are located in Flagstaff and Page and build partnerships to create awareness of resources pertaining to opioid use.

Contact info: Candice Koenker, Program Manager: (928) 679-7264 or email.

Free Narcan

Naloxone, or Narcan, is a life-saving medication, that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Having Narcan and knowing how to use it can save a life. Who should have Narcan? Anyone in Coconino County can obtain Narcan free of charge.

In Coconino County contact (928) 679-7264 or email to receive a free naloxone kit and training about opioid overdose response.

Not in Coconino County? Find Naloxone near you

Safe Storage and Proper Disposal of Medication

• Deterra bags for safe disposal of medication
• Lock boxes for safe storage

Informational Links

• Coconino County Overdose Fatality Review Report - 2019
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA) Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Opioid Overdose
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Arizona Department of Health Services Opioid Epidemic
• Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family Opioid Abuse and Misuse
• Arizona Opioid Action Plan
• National Harm Reduction Coalition
• Drug Policy Alliance

Links for Prescribers

• Newly revised Arizona Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
• Opioid Prescribing CME Courses
• PrescribeToPrevent - Prescribe Naloxone, Save a Life
• AZ Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program (AZ CSPMP) Registration FAQs

Contact Us Opioid Overdose Prevention Program Candice Koenker, Program Manager Phone (928) 679-7264 Email: ckoenker@coconino.az.gov

Southern Region Office 2625 N King St Flagstaff, AZ 86004 Hours Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Northern Region Office 467 Vista Ave Page, AZ 86040