In an effort to combat opioid overdose deaths across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on June 21 that generic naloxone is now available for free to first responders, universities, and community organizations.

The state’s contract with a New Jersey pharmaceutical company allows it to purchase naloxone nasal spray—an opioid overdose reversal drug—at a 40 percent discount. The drug is then labeled as part of the CalRx program, which makes prescription drugs affordable.

“The CalRx brand is more than a logo; it’s a way to show that the state cares,” Mr. Newsom said in a statement. “CalRx is proof positive of California’s innovation, business acumen, and most importantly, our heart.”

In an April statement announcing the purchase, the governor highlighted the importance of the reduced price, $24 per twin pack, saying that California can now purchase 3.2 million twin packs of naloxone, compared with only 2 million under the previous pricing, with the same budget.

The free naloxone will be distributed at request through the California Department of Health Care Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project. According to a press release from the department, the state purchased about 24,000 units in May.

“By making naloxone widely available and affordable, we are empowering communities and saving lives,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly. “This is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to tackle the opioid crisis head-on.”

Fentanyl has become the focus of the Golden State’s battle against opioids, with the drug accounting for over 87 percent of all opioid overdose cases in 2022, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Last month, the governor announced that nearly 6 million illegal fentanyl pills had been seized in the state since January.

According to the latest data from the California Department of Public Health, there were 6,473 deaths due to fentanyl overdose in 2022, whereas five years ago there were only 1,603.