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:

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:

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.

Gone are the days when the only life-saving tool for students at school was the EpiPen at the nurses’ office. Narcan for students is vital to have on hand, and recent incidents show having naloxone available can save students’ lives and prepare teachers for the worst.

But, can parents depend on their schools to stay prepared in case their children suffer from an overdose? While some schools might now be stocking up on this opioid antagonist, the stigma surrounding opioid use might still hinder some schools and faculty from fully embracing the life-saving nature of Narcan.

California Leads the Way In Naloxone Availability for Students

The good news is that many states are now encouraging and even creating policies to ensure naloxone, Narcan, and other opioid antagonists are stocked and ready to be used for children at school. California is, in fact, one of the best examples of states taking the initiative to save lives, with policies helping college, middle school, and high school students.

The Campus Opioid Safety Act for College Students

The Campus Opioid Safety Act was signed into law in January of 2023. This law requires all public college campuses in the state to provide educational and preventive information about opioid overdose to all students on campus as part of their orientation and to distribute a federally-approved opioid overdose reversal medication like Narcan or other naloxone. 

Budgeting for High School and Middle School Students

California’s Governor Newsom’s proposed 2023–24 state budget also included $3.5 million to purchase naloxone for every middle and high school in the state. While millions in funding might seem incredibly steep for this medication, the life-saving effects of these policies are already being seen. 

In San Fransisco, East Bay High School was one of several schools with naloxone on hand after the School District ordered 144 units to be placed strategically around several schools. The result - a school nurse trained to administer Narcan saved the life of a student suffering from an opioid overdose in April of this year.

As of March 2023, Los Angeles also allows students to carry their own Narcan in schools. With Los Angeles Unified School District standing as the second-largest school district in the Nation, only time will tell if their decision to allow students access to Naloxone and Narcan will influence other districts to follow suit.

Hesitations Perists Due to Opioid Stigma

With these inspirational stories and changes becoming more common in schools, one would think that states, including California, would readily implement a 100% availability policy for students. Unfortunately, even California has its issues, with a recent report from CalMatters finding that some college students still struggle with finding Narcan despite the Campus Opioid Safety Act.

Some of the many myths that might prevent schools from carrying Narcan include issues such as:

These hesitations and stigmas are often perpetuated by a lack of education and understanding about opioids and addiction. In reality, carrying Narcan does not make a school "bad" – it shows that the school is proactive in protecting its students' health and well-being. Furthermore, having Narcan for students readily available does not encourage drug use – it simply provides a safety net for those who may accidentally or intentionally overdose.

It's also important to note that opioid overdoses can occur anywhere, regardless of the level of drug activity in a school. With the rise of prescription opioid abuse, even schools with no history of drug activity should still consider carrying naloxone.

Narcan Availability in States

States are rapidly evolving their policies to encourage and even legally require various insurers, institutions, and schools to carry naloxone. According to the January 2023 Naloxone Access Summary of State Laws by the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association:

Stay Informed and Prepared During Back to School

As parents, it's also vital that we stay informed and educated on state laws, where to access Narcan for students, and how to recognize the signs of opioid overdose. Familiarize yourself with your state's laws regarding naloxone in schools. Find out if your child's school has a policy for administering naloxone. 

Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of prescription opioid abuse and how Narcan for students can save lives. If you haven’t already, consider purchasing a Narcan nasal spray or other form of naloxone for you or your child. Even carrying it with you when attending school events or activities with students present might prove to be a life-saving decision.

Find Narcan Near You

If you need help finding Narcan for students, for your child, or for yourself, use our search tool today! Narcan Finder provides the latest information on harm reduction sites, addiction centers, and other sites near you to help you get access to life-saving naloxone. It's easy to use our search tool to help you stay prepared for the upcoming school year and might be the difference between life and death.