Mentioned 12× · first seen 03-jul-2026 · last seen 03-aug-2026

Naloxone Access & Distribution

Current understanding

Federal policy efforts to expand availability of naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal medication) in various settings, including schools, first responder agencies, and community distribution programs. Activity in this space is currently at the legislative proposal stage.

Evidence log

2026-07-21 — ALERT Communities Act: 2025 — ALERT Communities Act (HR1561, introduced) would expand SAMHSA first-responder grants to include fentanyl/xylazine rapid test strips, a harm-reduction tool complementary to naloxone distribution in the overdose-response toolkit. (novelty: 3)
2026-01-13 — NOPAIN for Veterans Act: 2025 — NOPAIN for Veterans Act (HR4509, introduced): would expand veterans’ access to non-opioid pain management alternatives through the VA, an upstream opioid-alternatives policy complementary to overdose-reversal (naloxone) distribution efforts. (novelty: 2)
2026-07-16 — To provide funding for programs and activities under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.: 2026 — HR9759 (introduced): funding vehicle for SUPPORT Act programs, which include naloxone distribution and opioid overdose reversal activities among the authorized programs eligible for appropriations. (novelty: 2)
2025-02-20 — Fatal Overdose Reduction Act of 2025: 2025 — Fatal Overdose Reduction Act of 2025 (introduced): the proposed Health Engagement Hubs would be expected vehicles for naloxone distribution and other harm-reduction services financed through the enhanced-match Medicaid demonstration. (novelty: 3)
2024-12-18 — Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act: 2026 — Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act (S5130, introduced) would allow Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant funds to be used for tools tracking opioid reversal medication administration, indirectly informing naloxone distribution and utilization data. (novelty: 2)
2026-05-14 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish an opioid antagonist to a veteran without requiring a prescription or copayment.: HR5999 (introduced) would direct the VA to furnish opioid antagonists to veterans without a prescription or copayment, extending no-cost naloxone access into the veterans health system. (novelty: 2)
2026-06-10 — School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026: 2026-06-10 — School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026 (HR9251) referred to House Energy and Commerce Committee, targeting expanded naloxone availability in K–12 school settings. (novelty: 2)
2026-03-19 — School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026: cross-connection with mental-health-services-students: Both address federal interventions targeting student health and safety in school settings. (novelty: 2)