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Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund Opportunity 

Opioid Antagonist Bulk Purchase Fund

The Opioid Antagonist Bulk Purchase Fund, known as the Naloxone Bulk Fund, has provided free naloxone to eligible entities in Colorado since 2019.

Naloxone Bulk Fund Prioritization Plan

As of May 31, 2024, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) began implementing a prioritization plan to maximize resources so that individuals most at risk of experiencing or witnessing an overdose are prioritized to receive naloxone.

All eligible entities must have a current standing order in place prior to applying.

Eligible entities include:
  • Units of local government
    • county,
    • city and county,
    • town,
    • local public health agencies,
    • local improvement district,
    • municipal, quasi-municipal, 
    • or public corporation organized pursuant to law.
  • School districts
  • Harm reduction agencies 
  • Law enforcement 
  • First responders 
  • Religious organizations
  • Community service organizations
  • An Institute of Higher Education
  • Libraries
  • Local jail, municipal jail, multijurisdictional jail
  • Correctional facility
  • Private contract prison
  • Community corrections program
  • Pretrial services program
  • Probation department
  • Mental health professional (psychologist, social worker, marriage or family therapist, licensed professional counselor, psychotherapist, or addiction counselor licensed, registered, and certified).

The goal of the funding is to:
  • Reduce the financial burden of purchasing naloxone for key partners.
  • Promote public health and safety for Colorado citizens.
  • Increase access to naloxone, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses and save lives.

  • Naloxone ordered through the Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund cannot be resold.

Use of expired naloxone:
  • C.R.S. §13-21-108.7 and C.R.S. §18-1-712 provide information about the use of expired naloxone in Colorado. 
  • According to the Network for Public Health Law, "Colorado does not prohibit the prescribing, possession, or use of expired naloxone obtained via a valid individual prescription or standing order. Colorado does prohibit pharmacists from dispensing expired medications, including naloxone; however, the naloxone access law explicitly provides that dispensing naloxone as permitted by that law does not constitute unprofessional conduct."
  • According to the United States Pharmacopeia standards, expired naloxone retains its ability to reverse an overdose effectively and safely for nearly 30 years beyond its expiration date when properly stored. Shelf life and storage varies from product to product. Please visit the brand website for more information on a product’s shelf life and storage conditions.

Naloxone Bulk Purchase Fund FAQ
Requests for technical assistance
  • The Overdose Prevention Unit is available to provide technical assistance to ensure agencies have the correct training and information to acquire, maintain, and administer opioid antagonists safely. Please email cdphe_naloxone@state.co.us with requests for technical assistance.