The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is now providing free Naloxone, or Narcan, and training to residents to help rapidly reverse opioid overdoses.
When given in time, Narcan can restore breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose.
“Naloxone is an essential tool in our collective fight against opioid overdoses, and a tool we’re now able to provide to everyone in our community who needs or wants it,” Brookline Public Health Director Sigalle Reiss said in a statement on Monday. “I encourage anyone -- and especially those who know someone who is at risk of overdose, or is at risk themselves -- to take advantage of this lifesaving resource.”
The Department will offer Naloxone in a prefilled nasal spray form which anyone can use without medical training or authorization, though training will be available on-site prior to distribution.
Brookline public health officials will be responsible for providing counseling on overdose prevention and training on overdose response to all individuals who receive Naloxone from the public health department, officials said.
The department will offer group training throughout the summer and fall.
Officials said the Department welcomes anonymous, walk-in requests for Naloxone any time during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday) at the Public Health Building, 11 Pierce St.
More information can be found at brooklinema.gov/health.
If you or someone you know is at increased risk for opioid overdose or has an Opioid Use Disorder, please call the Brookline Public Health nurse at 617-730-2320 to access Naloxone at no charge.
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