Peabody To Distribute Free Narcan, Training To Reduce Overdose Deaths

PEABODY, MA — Those in Peabody can now receive free Narcan and training on how to administer the potentially life-saving medication to people who have overdosed on opioids.

The Peabody Health Department is offering free doses of naloxone — Narcan's generic name — and training for use upon request to anyone with no identification required.

"Carrying Narcan is one more way that we can care for our community members," Peabody Public Nurse Chassea Robinson said. "Learning how to respond to an overdose is similar to learning CPR.

"You never know when you may need it to save someone's life."

Essex County communities have launched the initiative in collaboration with local partners to provide resources for those with an opioid-use disorder. The Peabody Health Department said that an average of 277 people have died each year in the county from 2017 through 2021.

The Peabody Health Department said Narcan is very effective, safe to administer and has no potential for misuse. It has been shown to reduce overdose deaths by 11 percent in a community even when administered by someone with no formal medical training.

Those interested in obtaining the naloxone and training on use can do so by visiting the Peabody Health Department at 24 Lowell Street during regular City Hall hours. Training is brief and simple and will include how to recognize an opioid overdose.

Those requesting the medication will not be asked their name or their reason for requesting it.

More information can be obtained by calling the Peabody Health Department at 978-538-5926 or emailing Robinson here.

Those who need immediate help finding treatment for themselves or a loved one should call the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050 or visit here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)