Watch CBS News

Colorado AG And Partners Buying 2,500 Drug Overdose Kits

DENVER (AP) — The attorney general's office says it's buying 2,500 drug overdose kits to help police and emergency responders confront Colorado's opioid epidemic.

Attorney General Cynthia Coffman announced the purchase — and training for officials in 17 counties — on Monday.

It's part of a partnership with police, Denver Health and other groups fighting a crisis that's seen more than 6,900 drug overdose deaths in Colorado since 2006. Those deaths involve both heroin and opioid prescription drugs.

Nearly $265,000 will be used to buy kits of Narcan — a nasal form of the drug Naloxone that reverses overdoses.

The funds come from settlements with pharmaceutical firms that are dedicated to public health programs.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.