Beverly Gets $20,000 Grant To Purchase Opioid Overdose Drug

BEVERLY, MA -- The Bureau of Substance Addiction Services of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health gave the Beverly Police and Fire Departments a $20,000 grant to purchase naloxone, the anti-opioid overdose drug better known by its brand name, Narcan. The multi-year first responder naloxone grant is in effect from June 30, 2018 to June 30, 2023 with the option to renew until June 30, 2027.

"These funds will ensure our Beverly Police and Firefighters have the naloxone they need to continue to save the lives of opioid overdose victims," Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill said in a news release. "Naloxone gives people a chance to receive treatment and beat their addiction."

Beverly recorded 11 fatal opioid overdoes in 2017 and 18 in 2016, according to DPH statistics. Over the two-year period, Beverly first responders have received an average of about two overdose calls per week.

Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. The medication quickly restores normal respiration to an individual whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing with heroin or prescription opioid pain medications.

"It's imperative that we have the naloxone option ready to combat the current opioid crisis that Beverly and communities across the country are facing," Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur said.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).