WESTFORD — The Westford Health Department is offering opioid overdose kits for local businesses to install at no cost.
The town’s program is funded through use of some of $129,745 of opioid settlement funds the town received as part of a nationwide settlement with opioid distributors and manufacturers earlier this year.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, there were 2,357 opioid overdose-related deaths in 2022, a 2.5 percent increase from 2021.
“Our goal is to save overdose victims by increasing access to publicly available Narcan,” Health Director Rae Dick told WestfordCAT.
Kits contain two dose Narcan dispensers, gloves, instructions, and a barrier device for rescue breathing. Each kit can be mounted in businesses next to an AED or first aid kit, or a public space for employee and public access. Kits are valued at $290.
Kits have already been installed in all town buildings and schools, with several local businesses requesting kits, according to Dick.
Limited supplies are available, with one kit allowed per business. Those interested can call the Westford Health Department to reserve a kit for their business.
Free trainings, education, and support are also offered by the department as part of the program. An online user guide is also available.
