The 2022 Cochise County Overdose Fatality report (OFR) presents efforts to understand and prevent fatal drug overdoses. Cochise Harm Reduction (CHR) played a significant role in overdose prevention efforts. CHR executive director Lu Funk reported that while some clients passed away, many lives were saved through naloxone distribution.
CHR provided essential services, including food, clothing, camping supplies, and naloxone distribution. Funk stated, “In 2024, we distributed over 13,000 doses of naloxone and educated all of our participants on how to administer the medication and respond to the overdose”. CHR’s efforts resulted in over 300 reported overdose reversals since its founding. The OFR’s top recommendation was to increase harm reduction services and accessible naloxone in the community, highlighting CHR’s crucial role in overdose prevention.
**Disclaimer: CHR understands that language matters and strives to use de-stigmatizing language in reference to drug use. Stigmatizing language, like “drug addicts”, works against our goals of reducing stigma at CHR. Stigma is important because it has been shown to increase overdose rates and reduce likelihood of people accessing care and treatment. We promote the use of “person-first” language in our work and instead aim to use language like “people who use drugs” or “people who are experiencing homelessness”. Please explore this resource to learn more: Words Matter – Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)**