NORTH READING — Training sessions in the proper use of the opioid reversal medication Naloxone are being offered starting next week free of charge to any interested community member.
The North Reading Police Department and the Community Impact Team (CIT) have teamed up to provide this crucial training to educate the public. Naloxone is available for anyone to purchase to have on hand in the event of an overdose.
“Education and intervention are key strategies in preventing the loss of life from a drug overdose. Learning how to recognize, respond to, and prevent an opioid overdose with Naloxone is crucial,” said Police Chief Michael Murphy. “The North Reading Police Department and the Community Impact Team are glad to offer training on how to administer intranasal Naloxone.”
Drug-Free Communities Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “Although awareness of Naloxone is at an all-time high, there continues to be a need for educating the public about this life-saving measure.”
35 non-fatal, 7 fatal OD’s since 2020
In 2020, North Reading experienced 17 overdoses, three of which were fatal. In 2021 there were 21 total overdoses, four of which were fatal and 17 non-fatal. North Reading has experienced no fatal overdoses to date in 2022 and there have been four non-fatal overdoses.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Middlesex County experienced 299 fatal overdose deaths in 2020, the most recent year for which complete data is available.
“Each year many overdoses go unreported,” said Director Luckiewicz. “Data in this area will always be lower than actual as the stigma of addiction continues to deter people from coming forward for help.”
Participants can choose to attend one of the following four one-hour sessions.
• Wednesday, March 30 at Sports, Spirits and Steaks, 178 Main St., North Reading, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Monday, April 4, Wednesday, April 6, or Thursday, April 28 at the North Reading Police Department Training Room, 150 Park St., 10 to 11 a.m.
“These trainings are not intended to represent any certification nor professional-level medical instruction,” Luckiewicz explained. “Participants will learn about recognizing the signs of an overdose, Good Samaritan laws, how to administer bystander Naloxone, local substance use trends, accessing treatment and mental health options, how to access Naloxone, and how to offer help to a loved one.”
To register, please visit www.northreadingma.gov/CIT and click on “events.”
Anyone with questions should contact Amy Luckiewicz at coalition@northereadingma.gov or 978-357-5054.