The Federal Cuts and Government Shutdown Impact on Narcan Availability - Eye-Opening Findings and How to Fight Back

Learn how recent federal cuts and the long government shutdown impact on Narcan availability

The recent U.S. government shutdown has become the longest in history, with over 36 days and counting as of November 7 of this year. From SNAP benefits to federal layoffs, every aspect of our Nation’s well-being is impacted by federal cuts and pauses in services, including life-saving addiction treatment and medication.

For people who depend on NARCAN to reverse overdoses, save lives around them, and in the medical field, recent federal cuts and the government shutdown impact on Narcan availability can prove devastating. The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) and Legal Action Center (LAC) have partnered together to track these federal cuts and their impact on Narcan availability and other essential substance abuse services. Let’s see what they’ve found, and what you can do to continue to have access to care.

Impact on SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is subject to some of the biggest cuts and losses thus far. SAMHSA is responsible for several life-saving initiatives to combat addiction, including:

Providing funds for treatment programs
Medications for opioid use disorder
Connecting people to care
And of course, Narcan distribution

The current Trump administration and Congress are reducing SAMHSA’s funding and workforce, with hopes of a potential complete overhaul that will turn SAMHSA into the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). It’s unknown whether the AHA would prioritize addiction treatment and Narcan distribution like SAMHSA does, but hopes are low. Some states are already worrying about the devastating budget cuts and the government shutdown impact on Narcan availability.

In Virginia, advocates shared their concerns over this Administration’s proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026, which starts in October. Their proposal includes a $33.3 billion cut to the Department of Health and Human Services, which will also impact SAMHSA and its Narcan distribution system. The fear is that Virginia’s once declining overdose rate will once again surge without needed resources like Narcan on hand. With the government still shut down, only time will tell how much, if any, funding will be cut to SAMHSA, and how this will impact states like Virginia’s overdose rates.

Cuts to the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does much more than stop communicable diseases like COVID-19 from spreading. Now a household name, the CDC plays a vital role in also helping prevent and combat opioid overdoses and addiction. Their public health surveillance, support of health centers, and overdose prevention programs are all critical in the battle against the opioid epidemic. In addition, the CDC also provides funding to local health departments that provide frontline overdose prevention services like Narcan distribution.

Unfortunately, the Drug Policy Alliance found grim findings for the CDC. The government shutdown impact on Narcan availability has not been lost on the Center. Almost 1,600 employees, including 200 people at the CDC’s Injury Prevention Center, which includes a team focused on preventing drug overdoses, have now been laid off. Additionally, around $11 billion in federal CDC grants that help support overdose prevention and addiction services have also been paused.

State-Run Programs at Risk

States like Texas are already needing to look elsewhere for funding. The state's federal funding from COVID-19 era grants, the recent federal cuts, and government shutdown impact on Narcan availability continue to prove difficult to overcome. Naloxone Texas is one of the state’s largest Narcan distributors, and it has only survived the recent federal budget cuts thanks to settlement money from the opioid crisis, partnerships with universities, and partnerships with other non-profits. However, this type of partnering isn’t sustainable and is only a short-term solution to the lack of federal funding.

Some states, like New York, aren’t holding back and continue to fight against cuts to Narcan programs. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand condemned the Department of Health and Human Services’ proposal to slash a Narcan training and distribution program in New York.

Her office’s May 2025 press release highlights the importance of the program, which provides $56 million each year under the First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act for the distribution of naloxone to law enforcement, community-based organizations, and tribes across the country. According to Sen. Gillibrand’s office, this program has provided:

More than 282,500 naloxone kits to cities, community-based organizations, and tribes across the country in 2024 alone
Helped reduce opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the United States since 2020
Made Narcan accessible to the public and first responders alike

From New York to Texas, naloxone has already saved countless lives by reversing the effects of opioid overdoses. With continued federal cuts looming, the fight to keep this life-saving medication accessible and affordable for all through state and federally funded systems is an ongoing, uphill battle.

How You Can Help Keep Narcan Accessible

The Drug Policy Alliance has created an online petition to help combat these federal cuts, minimize the government shutdown impact on Narcan availability, and keep addiction and opioid-reversal services alive. However, there are other things you can do to help continue to make Narcan accessible in your community.

First, continue to educate yourself and others about the opioid epidemic, addiction, and overdose prevention. Knowledge is power, and knowing how to use Narcan as well as teach others how to use this life-saving drug (available in an easy-to-use nasal spray or injectable) can make a difference when the time comes.

As an advocate for yourself and for your community, you can reach out to your local and state-level legislation and support harm reduction programs like accessible Narcan. If there are free or low-cost Narcan distribution systems in your area, donate or volunteer to help keep those programs running. Additionally, you can educate others on how to recognize and respond to an overdose emergency by hosting workshops or sharing resources on social media.

Furthermore, it's important to address the root causes of drug use and addiction, such as mental health issues, poverty, and trauma. Supporting organizations that provide affordable access to mental health services and advocating for policies that address these underlying issues can help prevent drug-related deaths in the long term.

Keeping Hope Alive During Budget Cuts

The recent federal cuts and the long government shutdown impact on Narcan availability are at a critical point. While every administration brings uncertainty, and the stigma surrounding Narcan may never fully dissipate, remaining positive and continuing to fund and support harm reduction measures is crucial. If you or someone you know is living with opioid use disorder and wants access to treatment and harm reduction resources, there are several options available.

Contact a local harm reduction organization or health department for information on naloxone distribution and training. Our website also has an interactive map and directory for you to find Narcan nearby.

Remember, addiction does not discriminate, and anyone can be affected by opioids and overdoses. Having Narcan on-hand, supporting harm reduction efforts, and seeking evidence-based treatment can all help save lives and combat the opioid crisis - whether budget cuts linger in the distance or not.