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ACTON, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - Starting Today, the Acton Health Department will be handing out free Narcan kits to the community.
The kit includes two doses of Nasal Naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, resource cards, gloves, and a CPR shield.
"This program is a great way to keep our residents safe and informed about the dangers of substance misuse," said Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti. "I would also like to recognize the excellent work of our Health Department and Health Director Sheryl Ball for helping us bring this program to Acton. I am proud to offer this program to our residents and community members."
Just last year, there were 2,357 opioid overdose related deaths, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It's an increase of about 2.5 percent from the year before.
"The increase in opioid-related overdose deaths is a tragedy and alarming," said Department of Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein, MD, PhD. "We know overdose deaths are peventable. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on mental health and substance use, especially among marginalized communities. We are working to reverse those troubling trends by continuing to build on our data-driven and equity-based approaches towards responsive support and treatment."
The kits were provided through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Program. The initiative aims to prevent and decrease opioid misuse, and bring education, intervention, treatment and recovery tools to those impacted by substance abuse.
The Healey-Driscoll administration's Fiscal Year 2024 budget contains more than $600 million for substance addiction prevention and treatment programs.
"As Attorney General, I made combatting the opioid crisis a top priority, and that commitment continues as Governor while we work to provide individuals and communities with the support they need for treatment, prevention and recovery," said Governor Maura Healey. "Too many Massachusetts families, particular families of color, have been impacted by this crisis, and in order to effectively respond, we need to address the gaps in the system by advancing long-term solutions that include housing, jobs, mental health care and more resources for our cities and towns."
Anyone interested in obtaining a kit, can do so during regular business hours and must undergo a short training provided by Acton Land Use staff.
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