The Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) created the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) to combat opioid overdose-related deaths throughout California. The NDP aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths through the provision of free naloxone.
The NDP receives State General Funds from the State of California and opioid settlement funds from the Janssen and Distributors (J&D) Settlement Agreements.
Update: The NDP Announces Distribution of Generic Naloxone
DHCS is pleased to announce that the NDP is now distributing generic 4mg naloxone nasal spray in partnership with the CalRX Naloxone Access Initiative. Through this investment, announced as part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, the NDP will be able to distribute even more naloxone to communities in need and support California’s fight against the opioid epidemic.
Effective May 6, 2024, entities participating in the NDP will receive either generic naloxone nasal spray or Narcan naloxone nasal spray. Generic naloxone nasal spray will be labeled either as “CalRx” or “Amneal” and is manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals. Narcan naloxone nasal spray will be labeled as “Narcan” and is manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions. After an application is approved, the entity will receive an approval letter from Naloxone@dhcs.ca.gov. The approval letter will indicate whether the entity will receive generic naloxone nasal spray or Narcan naloxone nasal spray. For more information, please see the “NDP Information and FAQs document” linked under “NDP Resources” at the bottom of this page.
Free Fentanyl Test Strips Available
DHCS is pleased to announce the distribution of free, all-in-one fentanyl test strip kits to help prevent drug overdoses across the state. While funding is available, organizations currently eligible to receive naloxone through the NDP can apply to receive free fentanyl test strip kits through the online application form. The all-in-one kits streamline the process of testing a drug for the presence of fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid that can be added to other drugs and lead to a life-threatening or fatal overdose event, by packaging together a measuring scoop, the fentanyl test strip, a water pouch, and test instructions.
The all-in-one fentanyl test strip kits also reduce errors in testing drugs for fentanyl by including clear markings on the water pouch to prevent under and over dilution, and a result guide for test comparison. By providing these free all-in-one kits, DHCS aims to help California communities who are at risk of fentanyl exposure to increase their safety and prevent overdoses.
Apply for Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips
Entities can apply to DHCS to have naloxone and/or fentanyl test strips shipped directly to their address.
Eligible entities include:
- Fire, EMS and first responders;
- Schools and universities;
- Tribal entities;
- County public health and behavioral health departments; and
- Community organizations such as harm reduction organizations or community opioid coalitions.
- Law enforcement such as police departments, county jails and probation;
To apply online to receive free naloxone, please submit an application via the online application form. To review the required materials for applications, please visit the Naloxone Distribution Project webpage on the DHCS website.
If you have questions, please review the NDP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), the FTS FAQs, or the FTS Kit Explainer Document. For other questions, contact the NDP Team at Naloxone@dhcs.ca.gov.
Impact and Data
Learn more about the impact of the NDP at the Naloxone Distribution Project Data webpage.