AHCCCS News & Updates 
February 12, 2018

New Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act To Expand Treatment and Prevention Options


In a Special Session of the Legislature, members of the Arizona House and Senate Legislature unanimously passed the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, which Governor Ducey signed into law on January 26, 2018.

The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act provides funding for treatment, improves oversight and enforcement tools, and extends life-saving resources to law enforcement, first responders, and community partners on the ground.

As the leading payer for substance abuse treatment in the state, AHCCCS will administer $10 million in new grant funding to ensure that uninsured or underinsured Arizonans have increased access to increased treatment resources. Between June 2017 and January 2018, 812 Arizonans died from suspected opioid overdoses. The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act is a statewide, “all hands on deck” approach to combat what has become a public health emergency in our state.

Provisions in the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act include the following (which are effective as of April 26, 2018, unless otherwise specified):

Read the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act bill text and the policy primer.

AHCCCS and the Regional Behavioral Health Authorities are holding community meetings to gather input from members, families, stakeholders and partners to determine how substance abuse resources and funding should be allocated. The public is invited to attend.

Monday, Feb. 12, noon-1 p.m.
Kingman Regional
3269 Stockton Hill Rd., Kingman, AZ
Monday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Health Choice Integrated Care
1300 Yale St., Flagstaff AZ
Tuesday, Feb. 13, noon-1 p.m.
Globe Public Library
339 S. Broad Street, Globe, AZ

Wednesday, Feb. 14, noon-1 p.m.
Show Low City Hall, Deuce of Clubs Room
180 N. 9th St., Show Low, AZ
Thursday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m-1 p.m.,
Desert Breeze Substation
252 N. Desert Breeze Blvd., W. Chandler
Thursday, Feb. 15, noon-1p.m.
Adult Center of Prescott
1280 E. Rosser St. B, Prescott, AZ

Friday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
RI International
2701 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
Tuba City Public Library
78 Main Street, Tuba City, AZ
Thursday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-noon
Cenpatico Integrated Care
333 E Wetmore Rd., Tucson, AZ
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