AFR on Frontlines to Fight the Opioid Epidemic

As Albuquerque continues to battle the substance use epidemic, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) highlighted the urgent need for expanded treatment and services while outlining its ongoing efforts to address the crisis.

With medical calls accounting for 80% of AFR's calls for service, first responders are witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of substance use disorders across the city. Since August 2021, AFR has distributed 2,422 doses of naloxone (Narcan) to reverse opioid overdoses, a stark indicator of the crisis facing our community.

Following a settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors in connection with the opioid epidemic, the City will receive $80 million in funds. AFR is asking for the funds to be used for more treatment options, to expand Naloxone access, and to activate the Gateway Sobering Center. 

"The opioid crisis continues to devastate our community every day and is a top call-driver for the firefighters and paramedics in our department," said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. "AFR keeps adapting to meet the growing need in our community, and the opioid settlement funding could provide a desperately needed boost for the programs that are working, helping us save more lives and get more people on pathways to recovery."

AFR has made reducing opioid use and overdose risk a priority, working closely with the New Mexico Department of Health and other City of Albuquerque and community partners. AFR highlighted its comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, and recovery support programs, and the need for funding to support these programs.

Key initiatives include:

Expanded Naloxone Accesses and Harm Reduction Services: AFR emergency responders provide Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl test strips to overdose patients, their families, and friends. These life-saving tools are complemented by education on overdose prevention. Each month, approximately 60 Albuquerque residents receive Narcan for suspected opioid overdoses.

Golden Opportunity Initiative: Launched in 2024, this program allows AFR paramedics to administer suboxone (buprenorphine) to patients immediately after an overdose is reversed with Narcan. This critical intervention helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and creates a bridge to long-term treatment, and patients who receive medication assisted therapy are more likely to overcome their addiction.

Sobering Center: AFR has been a key partner in developing the Gateway Sobering Center so patients can safely detox with medical supervision. Opening the Sobering Center will alleviate the strain on emergency rooms and give AFR another place to take patients struggling with addiction to get the treatment they need. There is an immediate, unmet need for alternatives to emergency rooms for patients who are experiencing acute alcohol intoxication and substance use disorder. The Sobering Center is critical to addressing both urgent medical needs and long-term recovery goals.

While AFR continues to expand its emergency response capabilities, the department emphasizes that additional treatment options and support services are still urgently needed throughout the community.