We, the undersigned, call on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)  to reverse the recent changes to the State Standing Order and the Naloxone Bulk Fund, which block access to critical forms of naloxone nasal spray. The Bulk Fund has been essential in ensuring life-saving naloxone reaches nonprofit organizations, shelters, schools, universities, harm reduction agencies, law enforcement, first responders, and communities across Colorado. With fentanyl and synthetic opioid poisonings and overdoses surging–especially among youth and BIPOC populations–equitable access to all FDA-approved naloxone formulations is vital to saving lives. 

Revoking access to these medications ignores the unique needs of rural and high-risk communities, endangering countless lives. We request an immediate reversal of the state standing order to provide equitable access to all forms of Naloxone, allowing Colorado organizations to compassionately serve their populations with medications that best fit their unique and individual needs. Nearly 40 states recognize the importance of flexibility in naloxone availability: Colorado must do the same to combat this crisis effectively. 

Our Demands:

1. Reinstate equitable access to all FDA-approved naloxone formulations, including 8 mg nasal spray (Kloxxado), through the Colorado Standing Order and the Colorado Naloxone Bulk Fund. 
2. Prioritize comprehensive naloxone education and training and a compassionate overdose response that saves lives, meeting the diverse needs of all Coloradans. 
3. Commit to ongoing collaboration with all stakeholders, including affected families, healthcare providers, first responders, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery community organizations throughout the state, to ensure naloxone access is guided by evidence and real-world experience across ALL populations affected by the opioid crisis.

This crisis demands immediate action. We urge CDPHE and lawmakers to act now to preempt further preventable overdose deaths and protect the health and safety of all Coloradans.