NORTH READING — Police Chief Michael Murphy and Drug-Free Communities Director Amy Luckiewicz would like to share that the North Reading Police Department and Community Impact Team will be offering four community trainings to educate the public on the opioid reversal medication, Naloxone.
“Education and intervention are key strategies in preventing the loss of life from a drug overdose. Learning how to recognize, respond to, and prevent an opioid overdose with Naloxone is crucial,” said Chief Murphy. “The North Reading Police Department and the Community Impact Team are glad to offer training on how to administer intranasal Naloxone.”
Drug-Free Communities Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “Although awareness of Naloxone is at an all-time high, there continues to be a need for educating the public about this life-saving measure.”
In 2020, North Reading experienced 17 overdoses for the year, three fatal and 14 non-fatal. In 2021 there were 21 total overdoses, four fatal and 17 non-fatal. North Reading has experienced no fatal overdoses and four non-fatal overdoses in 2022.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Middlesex County experienced 299 fatal overdose deaths in 2020, the most recent year for which complete data is available.
“Each year many overdoses go unreported,” said Director Luckiewicz. “Data in this area will always be lower than actual as the stigma of addiction continues to deter people from coming forward for help.”
Participants can select from one of the one-hour sessions which will be offered on March 30 at Sports, Spirits and Steaks, 178 Main St., North Reading, and on April 4, 6, and 28 at the North Reading Police Department training room. Participation is free and open to the public.
“These trainings are not intended to represent any certification nor professional level medical instruction,” Luckiewicz said. Participants will learn about recognizing the signs of an overdose, Good Samaritan laws, how to administer bystander Naloxone, local substance use trends, accessing treatment and mental health options, how to access Naloxone, and how to offer help to a loved one.”
To register, please visit www.northreadingma.gov/CIT and click on Events.
Anyone with questions should contact Amy Luckiewicz at coalition@northereadingma.gov or 978-357-5054.