Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) has completed a multi-year initiative to equip every bus and service vehicle in its fleet with Narcan, the emergency treatment proven to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

According to an agency release, this milestone was achieved through close partnerships with the California Department of Public Health, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, and VVTA's dedicated Transit Unit, to aid in safeguarding lives across the High Desert.

San Bernardino County has not been immune to the opioid epidemic, which is fueled by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, with law enforcement and first responders facing an increasing number of overdose emergencies.

VVTA eventually identified that its operators and frontline staff, who interact daily with thousands of riders, could play a vital role in responding during those critical first moments of an overdose.

"Fentanyl is incredibly potent — just a small amount can be fatal. Sadly, we are seeing it increasingly present in our communities," VVTA Board Member Curt Emick, who also serves as a pharmacist, said. "As a pharmacist, I know how quickly an overdose can turn tragic, but I also know that with Narcan, lives can be spared. Having this medication on every VVTA vehicle means that in those critical minutes, help is available. This program could mean the difference between life and death for someone's child, parent, or friend."

Partnerships Help VVTA Respond During an Opioid Overdose

Over the past several years, VVTA worked closely with the City of Clovis, California, one of the first transit systems in the nation to equip its vehicles with Narcan, as well as the California Department of Public Health, to secure a reliable supply of the medication and develop clear protocols for its use.

Training support was further enhanced through the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and VVTA's dedicated Transit Unit, which provided comprehensive materials to help staff recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, understand the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids, and safely administer Narcan until emergency responders arrive.

With the program now fully implemented, VVTA stands among the few transit agencies in California to have deployed Narcan across its entire fleet — setting a standard for proactive community safety.

"Public transit is a lifeline, and at VVTA, we take that responsibility seriously," VVTA Chief Executive Officer Nancie Goff said. "By equipping every vehicle in our fleet with Narcan, we ensure that our team is prepared to respond in a crisis and give someone's loved one a second chance. This is a powerful example of how partnership and persistence can create lasting community impact."

By placing Narcan on buses and service vehicles, the agency has expanded the region's safety net, assured families, and strengthened community resilience against the effects of opioid misuse.

"This has been a multi-year project, and today we are proud to say it is fully realized," VVTA Board Chair James Noble said. "The VVTA Board of Directors has always prioritized safety above all else, and this program represents our ongoing dedication to protecting every passenger and resident in the High Desert. Together with the Sheriff's Department, along with VVTA's Transit Unit, we are setting a higher standard for public transportation."