Nashua Opioid Deaths: 29 Suspected So Far In 2017

NASHUA, NH — Nashua remains in the grips of the ongoing opioid crisis, with 29 suspected overdose deaths so far this year, according to first responders. That figure represents a 7 percent increase compared to the same time last year, according to Christopher Stawasz, regional director for American Medical Response, which serves Nashua and Manchester. There are signs of hope, however, as overall overdose reports were down 12 percent and nearly 1,000 opioid addicts have sought help through the Nashua "Safe Stations" program.

Safe Stations seeks to help those struggling with opioid abuse by allowing them to walk into any city fire station for recovery help, no questions asked. A total of 958 people have sought help, according to Stawasz. (Sign up for free daily newsletters and breaking news alerts from Nashua Patch.)

Suspected overdoses in Nashua through September dropped 12 percent compared to the same time last year, according to Stawasz.

The opioid crisis appears to be more acute in Manchester, where there have been 53 suspected overdose deaths so far this year. In September, Stawasz reported there were 116 suspected overdoses in Manchester and first responders administered a record amount of the opioid antidote Narcan.

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Nashua 'Safe Stations' Connects Opioid Addicts With Help

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