First Responders Comprehensive Addiction Act Grant

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions; names and details may be misheard.

What: retroactive authorization (item 91) to apply for and accept a federal first responder addiction grant that continues a police overdose follow-up program after an earlier grant ended September 30.
Where it stands: approved 8-0 on October 21, 2026.
Next: Hernandez asked for an update in about a year on how many people were helped; staff said reporting is required by the grant.

After officers revive a person with naloxone, a nonprofit (La Frontera Impact) sends a peer navigator within about two hours, or within a couple of days if the person cannot be reached right away, to discuss treatment, family support and services. The model mirrors a program in Tempe.
Most of the money goes to the nonprofit, with a small share for police administrative oversight and outreach; some funds would buy software licenses for cross-department coordination.
Police meet every other Friday with the Community Assistance Program, the Office of Homeless Solutions and Public Health; fire and community assistance teams are already trained for overdose response.

Hernandez supported the item but said she remains concerned about adding crisis response to officers, and asked to expand overdose-reversal training to other city staff such as parks, library and human services.
Vice Mayor Hodge Washington asked that data be shared with the Office of Public Health so departments do not work in silos.
One resident urged support, calling it an act of humanity.

About 10 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).

Meeting	Minutes
2026-10-21 - City Council Formal Meeting	10

2026-10-21 - City Council Formal Meeting - Heard with questions from two members; approved 8-0.