Why did we make the Save a Life Colorado Map?

The answer is simple.

Colorado has experienced a continued rise in opioid-related overdose deaths. Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, is an evidence-based tool to reduce overdose mortality.

Naloxone distribution programs have been shown to reduce overdose deaths in communities where they are implemented. A key challenge, however, is ensuring that naloxone is available where and when it is needed most. Many community members, first responders, and bystanders are willing to administer naloxone but may not know where to find it.

As part of our Overdose Prevention Initiative, we sought to create a resource that Coloradans could use to identify where naloxone is available. This online map is a resource showing where community members can access naloxone. It includes a comprehensive list of locations where naloxone can be purchased, such as pharmacies, or obtained for free, such as at non-profit organizations, healthcare programs, public health departments, distribution boxes (like a newspaper kiosk), and vending machines.

How we created the Save a Life Colorado Naloxone Access Map

This map was generated by the CU Anschutz Injury and Violence Prevention Center team in multiple steps, all of which are documented in our free, downloadable Save a Life Map Toolkit.