Suspected opioid overdoses and deaths continue to rise in Arizona. The total number of deaths (counted since 2017) jumped 55 percent in the past three months, from 1,645 in Aug. 2018 to 2,547 in Nov. 20181. In an effort to accelerate the fight against the opioid epidemic, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) has awarded nearly $1 million through the Mobilize AZ grant program to seven local organizations involved in education, treatment, and recovery. Through its Mobilize AZ initiative BCBSAZ is investing $10 million dollars over three years to turn the tide against the misuse of opioids and other substances. This first round of funding has been awarded to:
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