AF5871338A8FB03387258A37005362B8 Hearing Summary

Sophie Feffer, Drug User Health Coordinator, CDPHE, gave an overview of the harm reduction programs through the department. She shared information on the free fentanyl test strip distribution program and how it is using House Bill 22-1326 funds. She answered questions from the committee regarding what restrictions there were on using these funds.

Andres Guerrero, Overdose Prevention Unit Manager, CDPHE, gave an overview of the naloxone bulk purchase fund and what requirements are guidelines there are. 507 entities in Colorado have received free doses from the fund with the number of doses distributed tripling this year. He shared information on additional projects including overdose trends report, youth development strategies, and a xylazine work group.

Sam Bourdon, Harm Reduction Grant Fund Manager, CDPHE, spoke about how Senate Bill 19-008 created the harm reduction grant fund and the agencies that receive funds through it. She spoke about the programs being funded by the grants including public awareness campaigns, housing support, and distribution of harm reduction supplies. She spoke about House Bill 22-1326 and how the funds allowed for expanding programs to additional eligible entities.

The panel answered questions from the committee regarding how long funding for these programs will last. Mr. Guerrero answered a question on expired naloxone and if there was knowledge of how much was being thrown away by facilities. Ms. Bourdon answered a question about contingency management programs. Mr. Guerrero answered a question about outreach to schools and the stigma behind naloxone.