Arapahoe County unveils mobile overdose prevention service
LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — Arapahoe County Public Health is launching a new mobile harm reduction service called Prevention Point.
The mobile unit will be staffed by the department’s harm reduction team, which is trained to help people struggling with substance abuse.
“This particular thing right here is going to allow us to serve so many more people who are suffering with substance use,” Arapahoe County Commissioner Leslie Summey said as county officials unveiled the new mobile unit Tuesday.
Colorado second in US for teen overdose death rates: study
The team has served clients through fixed-location services and street outreach since starting work in January 2023. However, the mobile unit is an opportunity to reach more people in the community, who are often overlooked.
“With this, we are going to make even more of a difference,” Summey said.
Narcan, needle disposal, testing on site
The mobile unit is equipped with Narcan nasal spray, fentanyl and xylazine test strips and a place to dispose of needles safely. They’ll also offer testing for HIV, hepatitis C and other diseases.
“The solution is not to keep people incarcerated to harm people. The solution is to help people get well,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said. “We need innovation like we see here — meeting people where they are, helping people live.”
FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox
Money for the mobile unit comes from an infrastructure grant the health department received last year.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
