City of Salem Announces Pre-Halloween Overdose Response and Narcan Training

Mayor Dominick Pangallo is proud to announce that the Salem Board of Health, in conjunction with Healthy Streets Outreach Program will offer Salem businesses, their employees, and residents the opportunity to attend free Narcan training.

Opioid overdose deaths are a public health priority. In 2023, there were 217 opioid-related overdose deaths in Essex County residents, and 32 opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in Salem. In response, municipalities throughout the region are collaborating with local partners and neighboring communities to provide information and resources for people with opioid use disorder and their loved ones.

Narcan is a very effective medication. It is safe, easy to administer, and has no potential for misuse. When used by emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, and lay people likely to witness an overdose, it has been shown to reduce overdose deaths in a community by as much as 11%.

During the training, attendees will be taught to recognize the signs of an overdose, how to administer Narcan should they need to, and what to do once they administer Narcan.

This training is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

"We are excited to partner with Healthy Streets to offer this training," said David Greenbaum, Health Agent for the City of Salem, "We believe that it is important that we offer the public the tools to recognize the signs of overdose and the resources to treat an overdose should they be in the situation to do so. As Salem heads into our busiest tourist season, we want to stay especially vigilant in our battle against opioids."

"I'm incredibly grateful to Healthy Streets and our own Health Department for making this training available," said Mayor Pangallo. "Narcan can help save lives and the more members of our community who are able to administer it in a crisis, the safer our city will be. I hope all who are able will take advantage of this important opportunity."

This training will take place on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11am in the 1st floor large conference room in City Hall Annex, 98 Washington Street, Salem, MA.

Narcan will be available for distribution to attendees.

Questions can be directed to the Salem Board of Health 978-741-1800.