Chief Talk: 'We Saved 7 Lives from Heroin Overdoses Last Year'

SUDBURY, MA -- While Sudbury does not battle an opioid crisis like some in the Commonwealth, such as Gloucester or Brockton, it is not impervious to the epidemic.

In 2015, Sudbury’s public safety personnel (fire and police) saved seven people from opioid overdose deaths by using Narcan. Another person was saved when a man administered Narcan to his girlfriend.

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“We initially began training with Middlesex District Attorney’s office,” said Chief of Police Scott Nix. “They then provided 12 doses of Narcan, and we’re in the process of replenishing that - it will be expiring - through the statewide purchasing program. If we go to the hospital, we get a replacement free of charge, but we still expend the money. Ultimately, we pay for it in certain circumstances. I don’t know the fee we’re being charged, but when it comes down to it, what is the value of a life? Bigger jurisdictions have bigger issues, where finances could be more problematic.”

Noting the extensive research in usage of opiates as it transitions to heroin usage, Nix notes that the police station participates in the Take Back Drugs days, where residents can dispose of their expired medications. In one case, a resident disposed of heroin.

“We recommend that people get rid of their expired medications, and get them out of their household,” said Chief Nix, “so people can’t use them to sell, or kids can’t use it, or if someone were in a depressed state they may grab them.”

Some 191 pounds of medications/drugs have been collected since the first Take Back program.

This is part of Sudbury Patch’s ”Chats with the Chief” series, which will address a variety of topics and questions from readers. Have you a question? Send it to us at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.