Feb 16, 2023
The California Department of Public Health is supporting the Overdose Data Collection & Analysis Project (ODCAP), which aims to improve overall overdose surveillance, respond more rapidly to overdose spikes, and inform prevention and treatment. The project intends to establish syndromic surveillance in California to support near real-time tracking of non-fatal overdose and drug misuse surveillance.
This project receives funding from Opioid Settlement Funds (OSF) through California’s Opioid Settlements.
Dec 22, 2022
The PHI Center for Health Leadership and Impact (CHLI) operates the California Overdose Prevention Network (COPN), a respected statewide learning network for coalitions, organizations and individuals working at the forefront of the overdose epidemic. COPN’s mission is to build a movement to strengthen connections within communities and provide access to knowledge, training, and resources to implement solutions that save lives.
COPN offers a monthly series of free webinars, workshops, and guided discussions to support local leaders in effective coalition building and overdose prevention strategies. Topics covered in 2022 included naloxone distribution, strategies for addressing toxic stress and burnout, and partnership strategies for local coalitions. The statewide learning network also disseminates a monthly digest to more than 2,200 subscribers with announcements of upcoming COPN webinars as well as external events, resources, funding opportunities, and new stories related to substance use and overdose prevention. COPN also hosts biannual convenings with learning and networking opportunities for local leaders across the state. According to the 2022 member survey, 98% of respondents agreed that participating in COPN is a good use of their time, addresses content that is a priority for them or their organization, and has improved their performance and impact. According to one member, “Before COPN we operated in a more isolated way…COPN has broadened our prospective and given us a sense of unity with other coalitions tackling our nation’s overdose epidemic.”
In addition to the statewide learning network, the COPN Accelerator is a 12-month cohort program to help local overdose prevention coalitions strengthen their performance and impact. This team-based program offers monthly workshops, guided tools, and coaching. Each cohort year addresses an emerging need in the field, such as strategies to strengthen coalition infrastructure, multi-sector partnerships, and data-informed strategies in harm reduction and youth engagement. COPN is currently running its fourth Accelerator cohort cycle to help local coalitions fortify their approach to health equity. 100% of respondents from the last cohort cycle said the program increased the effectiveness of their coalition and has potential for positive impact in their community.
Through a unique partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), COPN sponsors the largest AmeriCorps VISTA program dedicated to overdose prevention in the country. Through this program, up to 40 AmeriCorps VISTA assignees serve full-time in COPN coalitions and provides ongoing development and learning opportunities for AmeriCorps members in the field. To date, more than 70 AmeriCorps members have served in COPN coalitions across California.
Drawing on the success of COPN, CHLI also operates the National Overdose Prevention Network (NOPN) to connect leaders across the country. With more than 7,200 subscribers, this learning network offers national conversations that feature innovative practices in California and foster dialogue on trending topics including fentanyl treatment strategies, mental health first aid, and opportunities to leverage opioid settlement funding.
This project receives funding from the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
To learn more, go to
Project Leads
Apr 15, 2020
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.
Jan 29, 2020
Young People in Recovery is a recovery support services organization focused on creating recovery-ready communities throughout the nation for young people in, or seeking, recovery. Young People in Recovery has partnered with DHCS to launch new chapters and life-skills curriculum programs to individuals in recovery from opioid use and substance use disorders.
To date, Young People in Recovery has served 37,000 Californians across its programs and chapters in the state and has held over 3,700 events.
This project receives funding from the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Project Leads
Jan 28, 2020
In 2019, Continuity Consulting launched the Youth Peer Mentor Program with the Department of Juvenile Justice to train justice-involved youth to provide recovery support to peers and assist them with their substance use and rehabilitative challenges.
Continuity Consulting is expanding the Youth Peer Mentor Program to include transitional age youth and other justice-involved youth throughout California. Continuity Consulting will deliver a modified program using a hybrid model of asynchronous training, video mentoring, and an interactive, online community.
This project receives funding from the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
For additional information
- Watch the short video of interviews with program instructors, mentors, Department of Juvenile Justice staff, and Youth Peer Mentor cohort 1 graduates.
- Read the article from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- View the 2021 Youth Peer Mentor Program Annual Report.
Project Leads
