As Colorado law enforcement officers and first responders, we see the devastating impact of synthetic opioids every day. The fentanyl crisis is unlike anything we’ve encountered before, claiming lives across our state and country at an alarming rate. In the U.S., more than 200 people die daily from synthetic opioid overdoses, with Colorado seeing a troubling rise in these preventable deaths. We urge state leaders to expand our access to all available overdose reversal agents so we can more effectively respond to this crisis and protect our communities.
Colorado’s current policies on opioid reversal agents are outdated and inadequate for today’s challenges. Presently, the standing orders limit us to just one FDA-approved opioid antagonist, even though there are multiple options that could save lives. Given the lethality of fentanyl—50 times stronger than heroin—having only one reversal agent restricts our ability to respond to the full scope of overdose emergencies we face. Access to all FDA-approved agents would ensure we are prepared for every situation, especially as we enter a season when the risk of drug-related emergencies is even higher.
With holiday gatherings, festivals, concerts, and sporting events on the horizon, thousands of Coloradans and visitors will come together. This season often carries an increased risk of drug-related emergencies, including synthetic opioid overdoses and poisonings. It’s critical that our policies reflect this heightened need for preparedness. The stakes are simply too high to limit ourselves to a single tool when more options are available.
Why Expanding Access Matters
Fentanyl is exceptionally deadly. It can be hidden in counterfeit pills that look like common medications, deceiving users who may be unaware of the danger. A tiny amount—just two milligrams, or the size of a pencil tip—can kill. This potency and ubiquity make fentanyl uniquely dangerous, and the range of reversal agents available today reflects an understanding that different cases may call for different responses. By expanding Colorado’s standing orders to include all FDA-approved opioid antagonists, we can provide targeted, effective care that saves lives in our communities.
States across the nation are updating their policies to include all approved opioid reversal agents. Nearly two-thirds of states now permit access to multiple reversal agents, acknowledging the evolving landscape of the opioid crisis. This approach isn’t about preferring one agent over another but about equipping first responders with a full toolkit so we can respond swiftly and decisively in life-threatening situations. Colorado should lead in making this proactive change to give first responders the resources needed to address the opioid crisis effectively.
Meeting Colorado’s Unique Needs
Colorado’s overdose death rates are rising, even as they decline in other parts of the country. Our communities—urban and rural—feel the weight of this epidemic, as do our schools, workplaces, and public spaces. First responders are often the first and only line of defense in overdose situations, and we need every tool available to save lives, particularly given the unpredictability and potency of synthetic opioids.
Furthermore, as overdose emergencies become increasingly common during public events, our ability to respond with the most effective agent for each specific case is crucial. Expanding access to all FDA-approved opioid reversal agents would allow us to match our response to the needs of the moment, helping to prevent unnecessary loss of life across Colorado.
A Simple Step with a Big Impact
Updating Colorado’s standing orders to include all approved reversal agents is a straightforward, effective measure that would have a profound impact. This change wouldn’t require new drug developments or complex programs; it’s simply about permitting access to what already exists. With broader access, we can immediately strengthen our response to overdoses, better serve our communities, and save more lives.
This holiday season, we call on state leaders to take this essential step. Let’s ensure that when emergencies happen, we have the full toolkit needed to respond. Colorado’s communities are depending on us, and we are ready to act—but we need the right resources to make that possible.
Jaime FitzSimons is the Summit County Sheriff.
