YUMA, Ariz. – Prescription Drug Overdose: Prevention for States, is a new program funded by the Center for Disease Control to help states curb the ongoing prescription drug overdose epidemic. The Prevention for States program, as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Opioid Initiative, will make a $20 million investment in 16 states. One of which is Arizona, ranked 12th in the nation for drug overdose.
Arizona Department of Health Services received $3.6 million in funds. This will go toward educational programs throughout six counties: Gila, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima and Yavapai. Arizona Department of Health official Tomi St. Mars says those not on the list, like Yuma County, will still benefit through online resources.