Google Money to Buy Naxolone & Help Police Departments Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — At least 307 people died of drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island in 2016, according to the state health department. Compared to the previous year, that number was up 17, as drug overdoses claimed 290 lives in Rhode Island in 2015.

The state is attempting to stop the loss of life, and one way is by putting a life-saving drug, naxolone, into the hands of first-responders.

“Naloxone is an essential tool in our work to prevent overdoses and save lives, but it can only work if it is in the hands of first responders and others whose swift action can mean the difference between life and death,” said Gov. Gina Raimondo.

In January, 10 cities and towns in Rhode Island did not have a supply of naxolone on hand, but now that number's down to three. That's because seven cities and towns recently took advantage of help from East Providence and North Providence.

Johnston, Lincoln, Narragansett, East Greenwich, New Shoreham, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket -- along with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)’s Division of Enforcement -- have since accepted the offer.

East Providence and North Providence are dipping into their Google settlement funds to buy naxolone for other police departments. Google agreed to pay after a 2011 investigation into its advertising practices. The state police have used some of the Google money to buy naxolone since 2014.

Expanding access to naloxone is the focus of the rescue strategy of the action plan developed by Governor Raimondo’s Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force," the health department said. "The other three focus areas of the plan are prevention, treatment, and recovery.

"The Task Force’s goal is to reduce overdose deaths by one-third within three years," the health department said.

“The overdose issue is affecting all of Rhode Island,” said Col. Christopher Parella, Chief of the East Providence Police Department. “We have to come together as a state, which means pooling resources and expertise, whenever possible, to save every life that we can. We are proud that East Providence will be able to help other police departments make sure that their officers are carrying naloxone.”


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