Free Narcan now easier to get in Tempe

Tempe, AZ - Tempe is making it easier to get free Narcan, a simple-to-use nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.

Free kits are now available through more City of Tempe programs and locations, including the Tempe EnVision Center, community health and crisis teams, Tempe Fire Stations and CPR classes. The Narcan is provided through a State of Arizona program at no cost to the city.

Expanding access to Narcan is part of a larger City effort to address opioid misuse and begin putting Tempe's share of national opioid settlement funds to work. It builds on a decade of responding to the opioid crisis through wastewater data, recovery support, community partnerships, education and enforcement.

Tempe first responders have used Narcan to save roughly 775 lives since 2019. Now, Tempe is working to get this lifesaving tool into the hands of more people in the community.

Why Tempe is expanding access now

The timing is important. After several years of declines, overdose deaths are rising again in Tempe.

"Tempe has been innovating and investing to combat opioid misuse since 2016, and this new effort puts resources directly in the hands of people who need them. Our response couldn't be more timely, as we all work to reverse trends we're seeing in Tempe and across Arizona," said Tim Burch, Community Health and Human Services Director.

Between 2021 and 2024, fatal overdoses in Tempe dropped from 105 to 89, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Provisional data for 2025 show 108 deaths, a 19% increase in one year.

While drug overdose deaths are falling across the country, Arizona's numbers increased by 18% between 2024 and 2025. This includes deaths from opioids and other drugs.

Get Narcan

Narcan isn't only for people who use opioids. Family members, friends and others can keep Narcan on hand in case they encounter someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Like CPR, it's a lifesaving tool you can learn to use before an emergency happens.

Here's where to get Narcan in Tempe for free.

Tempe EnVision Center
Stop by the EnVision Center, 1310 E. Apache Blvd., and talk with a Community Health Worker or Peer Support Specialist to pick up a free kit. No appointment is needed.

Tempe fire stations
Free Narcan kits are available at Tempe fire stations.

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue CPR classes
Free Narcan kits are available at every public CPR class.

Tempe Coalition
Request a free Narcan kit online through Tempe Coalition, a program of Tempe Community Council.

Tempe is also getting Narcan directly to people who may need it through the city's HOPE homeless outreach team, CARE 7 crisis team, Community Health Workers and Peer Support Specialist.

Each kit includes two doses of Narcan and information about how to use it and where to find additional resources.

How does this fit into Tempe's larger opioid response?

Tempe has led nationally and regionally with its opioid response over the past decade. Tempe was the first city in the country to incorporate wastewater data to inform opioid services and first in Arizona to create a data dashboard to guide strategy.

The Tempe First-Responder Opioid Recovery Project, funded with federal grants, has helped inform national best practices. The initiative is responsible for saving approximately 775 lives through Narcan administration and follow-up support to connect individuals with treatment options, resources and education. Residents of all ages and circumstances are served citywide.

Tempe is projected to receive $9.7 million through 2038 from national opioid settlements. The funding gives Tempe an opportunity to expand existing work and invest in new ways to prevent opioid misuse and help people affected by it.

Tempe's investments include:

Connecting people with help. Two Community Health Workers and a Peer Support Specialist provide one-on-one help connecting people with health care, treatment, recovery resources and other services.

Starting prevention early. Life skills training for Tempe elementary, middle and high school students is aimed at reducing drug and alcohol use.

Keeping the community safe. Funds support officer training as part of enforcement through the Tempe Police Strategic Response Unit.

Tempe's 2024-25 Opioid Response Plan guides this work to reduce opioid deaths, improve quality of life for people affected by opioid use disorder and decrease the presence of opioids in the community. Tempe launches its next plan, covering 2026-29, this fall.

Get free, confidential 24/7 help and resources through the Arizona Opioid Assistance and Referral (OAR) Line at 888-688-4222. Residents can also call the City's CARE & HOPE Line for assistance at 480-350-8004.

See the data

Tempe's Wastewater BioIntel Program tests wastewater for the presence of seven opioid-related analytes. Take a look at the wastewater dashboard. Another city dashboard and map helps guide prevention resources and prepare for EMS calls.

Learn more about Tempe overdose data through the Maricopa County Public Health Department dashboard and state data through the Arizona Department of Health Services overdose death dashboard.