Naloxone Distribution Project
About the NDP
DHCS created the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) to combat opioid overdose-related deaths throughout California. The NDP aims to address the opioid crisis by reducing opioid overdose deaths through the provision of free naloxone. For more information on the NDP, please visit the Naloxone Distribution Project website.
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.
How to Apply Via the Online NDP Portal
Applications for naloxone and fentanyl test strips must be submitted via the NDP online application form. Please review the below required materials for requesting naloxone nasal spray, intramuscular naloxone, and fentanyl test strips. Review the NDP and Fentanyl Test Strip FAQs (listed below) for additional information about your organization's application.
To apply for naloxone and/or fentanyl test strips:
- Gather the required supplemental materials.
- Complete the NDP online application form.
- Submit the application and supplemental materials via the NDP online application form.
Required Materials
To request naloxone nasal spray, eligible entities must submit the following materials for application approval. Note that a standing order for naloxone nasal spray is no longer required due to the over-the-counter status.
| Organization Type |
Required Materials |
- First responders, fire, EMS
- Law enforcement, courts, & criminal justice partners
- Community organizations (including libraries, veteran organizations, and religious organizations)
- Harm reductions organizations
- Schools, universities
- County public health or behavioral health agencies
- Local city agencies
- Tribal entities
| - A copy of a valid and active business license, FEIN number or tax-exempt letter.
- For orders over 204 units, policies and procedures for naloxone distribution including:
- Storage of naloxone received through the program;
- Inventory and tracking of naloxone received through the program;
- Distribution plan for naloxone received through the program
- Number of overdose reversals reported with naloxone received through NDP (for subsequent applications)
|
Organizations that serve unhoused populations
| - A copy of a valid and active business license, FEIN number or tax-exempt letter.
- For orders over 204 units, policies and procedures for naloxone distribution including:
- Storage of naloxone received through the program;
- Inventory and tracking of naloxone received through the program;
- Distribution plan for naloxone received through the program
- Completed certification of services for unhoused individuals
- Number of overdose reversals reported with naloxone received through NDP (for subsequent applications)
|
Substance Use Recovery Facilities (inpatient, outpatient,
residential, sober living homes)
| - A copy of a valid and active business license, FEIN number or tax-exempt letter.
- Copy of the program's DHCS license (if applicable)
- Policies and procedures for naloxone distribution, including:
- Separate storage of naloxone received through the program from other medications that may be billed to patient insurance;
- Inventory and tracking of naloxone received through the program;
- Distribution plan for naloxone received through the program
- Number of overdose reversals reported with naloxone received through NDP (for subsequent applications)
|
- Hospitals and Emergency Departments
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
- Community clinics
| - A copy of a valid and active business license, FEIN number or tax-exempt letter.
- Policies and procedures for naloxone distribution
- Separate storage of naloxone received through the program from other medications that may be billed to patient insurance;
- Inventory and tracking of naloxone received through the program;
- Distribution plan for naloxone received through the program
- Number of overdose reversals reported with naloxone received through NDP (for subsequent applications)
|
To request intramuscular, eligible entities must also submit a standing order or valid prescription for naloxone as part of the online application form, along with the required materials noted above. If your organization does not have a standing order, one can be obtained from the California Department of Public Health's Website.
More questions? Refer to the NDP Information & FAQs.
NDP Participants are required to maintain detailed distribution logs and reversal reporting documentation – DHCS may require review of this additional information prior to approving subsequent applications.
Required Materials
To request fentanyl test strips, eligible entities must submit the following materials for application approval.
- A copy of a valid and active business license, FEIN number or tax-exempt letter.
- For orders over 4,000 units, policies and procedures for fentanyl test strip distribution including:
- Storage of fentanyl test strips received through the program;
- Inventory and tracking of fentanyl test strips received through the program;
- Distribution plan for fentanyl test strips received through the program.
- Number of fentanyl test strips from previous order that have been distributed (for subsequent applications).
Substance Use Recovery Facilities (outpatient and residential) must include a copy of the program's DHCS license and/or certification, if applicable.
NDP Resources
NDP Overview
NDP Information & FAQs
Fentanyl Test Strip FAQs
Fentanyl Test Strip Kit Informational Flyer
Contact Us
Questions? Contact team by email: Naloxone@dhcs.ca.gov
Alerts and Urgent Updates
Xylazine Alert
Earlier today, SAMHSA released a The Dear Colleague Letter to providers and grantees about the risks of xylazine. According to the press release, “SAMHSA's goal with this alert is to provide information about the consequences of xylazine exposure, what practitioners can do to mitigate harm, and how SAMHSA is responding to this emerging public health challenge. SAMHSA thanks grantees and providers for their vital role in carrying out this life-saving work."
Please visit the California Department of Public Health webpage on Xylazine. For more information on the emerging threat of Xylazine, click here.
