Brian Donaghue Simpson Narcan Training and Opioid Awareness Day

State Representative Kate Donaghue, in collaboration with the Greater Boroughs Health Partnership, is hosting a Narcan (Naloxone) training on Tuesday, June 9th at 6:30 pm at the Northborough Free Library, 34 Main St, Northborough, MA 01532.

Rep. Donaghue has a very personal connection to the opioid epidemic. “Eight years ago, my son, Brian Donaghue Simpson, passed away due to an opioid overdose. He was 32 years old. Since that time, I have honored his memory with an annual event to raise awareness of this public health crisis,” said Representative Donaghue. “We need to treat the opioid epidemic as the crisis it is, and not a moral failing,” she stated. Representative Donaghue and her husband have shared Brian’s story over the years. His story is told in this video.

Subscribe

Over the past three years, Representative Donaghue has hosted a narcan training to educate others and to break the stigma surrounding substance use and recovery. In 2023, she coordinated with other legislators and Boston Medical Center to host the first ever Naloxone training at the State House, which has become a regular event. “The State House trainings are very well attended. They inspire me to host this event for the people in the 19th Worcester District,” commented Rep. Donaghue. The 19th Worcester District includes most of Westborough, most of Northborough, all of Southborough and a neighborhood in Framingham.

“We are excited to host our second Narcan training with Rep. Donaghue this June!” stated Isabella Caruso, PhD, Department of Health and Human Services Director from Northborough. “Through the state’s Community Naloxone Program, Greater Boroughs Partnership for Health, our regional public health collaboration, is able to offer free Narcan trainings to our communities. Please visit our websitefor more information!”

“Opioids claim many lives, but learning to administer Narcan can save one. We distribute kits at the trainings with two doses of Narcan, a mouth barrier device, and instructional booklets.” stated Penny Giacobbi, Regional Public Health Nurse. RSVP is requested for this event. If possible, please RSVP using this linkor by calling the Northborough Health and Human Services Department at (508) 393-5008.