Insurer backs effort to address opioid misuse, overdoses

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is putting $10 million toward addressing opioid misuse and reducing overdose-related deaths.

Officials from the insurance company announced the Mobilize AZ program on Tuesday alongside Gov. Doug Ducey. The multi-pronged effort will support prevention, treatment and recovery programs. It also will give grants to community organizations.

Earlier this year, state lawmakers passed the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act. Ducey says while the state has sought to provide more tools and resources to medical professionals and law enforcement, the investment will help uninsured and underinsured people get addiction treatment.

Arizona saw more than 1,600 suspected opioid deaths since June 2017, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.