Tempe Offers Free Narcan Kits at Public Locations
The city is distributing opioid reversal kits at fire stations and community centers to combat rising local overdose deaths.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Tempe is providing free two-dose Narcan kits to the public through fire stations, the Tempe EnVision Center, and other community sites. This initiative aims to address a recent 18% increase in overdose deaths across Arizona.
Why it matters
The program provides a vital resource as Arizona experiences a rise in fatal overdoses, contrasting with a national decline in overdose rates. By removing cost barriers, the city seeks to equip residents with the tools needed to reverse opioid emergencies.
Narcan kits contain two doses, which typically retail for approximately $50 at pharmacies. The kits work by attaching to opioid receptors to block the effects of substances including fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone.
The players
ASU Police Department
This law enforcement agency is responsible for maintaining safety and security on and around the Arizona State University campus.
Tempe EnVision Center
This community-focused facility serves as a primary distribution point for city-provided health and social services.
Arizona Public Health Association
This non-profit professional organization focuses on improving health outcomes and tracking disease trends across the state.
The details
Residents can obtain kits at the Tempe EnVision Center, city fire stations, the Tempe Coalition, and public CPR classes. The city funds this distribution effort using a combination of state resources and national opioid settlement dollars.
Timeline
National overdose rates dropped by nearly 14% over the last year.
The ASU Police Department recorded 12 narcotics cases near campus in the last 60 days.
Health Landscape
Tempe is utilizing national opioid settlement dollars to fund this harm-reduction effort as part of a larger nationwide strategy to direct legal payouts toward local recovery and safety programs. This approach mirrors efforts in jurisdictions across the country to pivot resources toward the front lines of the opioid crisis.
Residents can now access Narcan at no cost to have on hand for potential emergencies, replacing the $50 retail expense. This availability ensures individuals can keep an emergency kit in their home or vehicle for immediate use.
The takeaway
Maintaining a Narcan kit can be a lifesaving precaution for families and community members. Readers should consider attending a local CPR class or visiting a designated site to pick up a kit before an emergency occurs.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic at Tempe Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Statepress.
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Do you support the city providing free Narcan kits at local public facilities in your area?
