Nashua 'Safe Stations': 800+ Opioid Addicts Get Help

The Nashua Safe Stations program, which connects opioid addicts with recovery help at city fire stations, recently reached another milestone. As of the end of August, the program has served more than 800 people since launching in November, according to American Medical Response-Nashua, which provides emergency medical services in the city.

The program appears to be having a positive effect. In the first quarter of this year, overdoses dropped 34 percent compared to 2016, according to AMR Nashua. (Sign up for free daily newsletters and breaking news alerts from Nashua Patch.)

When the program launched, Mayor Jim Donchess called opioid abuse an epidemic in the city.

"I frequently hear from our front line professionals about the course of the epidemic in our city — the dangerous drugs being peddled on our streets and in our alleyways, the large numbers of criminals being arrested for drug trafficking here, the many Nashuans from every neighborhood and every walk of life who are struggling with the grip of addiction," Donchess said in a statement.

Here's how the Safe Stations program works:

• "Any person seeking treatment and recovery will be able to enter a Nashua fire station where trained firefighters will connect him or her with help. AMR and Harbor Homes will immediately respond to each report.
• If there is no medical need for transportation to the emergency room, Harbor Homes will transport the person seeking help to the Maple Street shelter or to the Harbor Homes complex on High Street. If necessary, medical detox will be available.
• The person seeking help will be cared for while Harbor Homes professionals find an opening in an appropriate recovery program or facility."

Related:

• Nashua Safe Stations Program Connects Opioid Addicts With Help
• Nashua Opioid Crisis: Overdoses Drop 34 Percent

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