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In just a few years, Texas established one of the largest no-cost systems for distributing opioid reversal medications in the United States, thanks to an influx of federal and state funding supporting local community efforts.

The sudden loss of $68 million in federal substance abuse response funding this year due to the end of COVID-19 funding, plus the potential for more federal cuts in the future, is threatening this fragile ecosystem.

“I know in my region, which covers Lubbock and Amarillo, some organizations have closed down that were able to provide free naloxone as well, and we’re kind of trying to fill their shoes right now,” said Alberto Soto-Gonzales, t

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