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NaloxBox Program
On May 2, 2022, the Easthampton Health Department launched the first phase of a NaloxBox program in the city. A NaloxBox is a small, clear box labeled "Opioid Rescue Kit" that is mounted on the wall and contains four doses of Naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Each box is equipped with a rescue-breathing mask, medical gloves, and step-by-step instructions. If possible, NaloxBoxes should be mounted next to an Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED). In the first phase, NaloxBoxes were placed in city buildings including City Hall, the Emily Williston Public Library, Mountain View School, and Easthampton High School. The most recent expansion includes NaloxBoxes at Learn to Cope (Eastworks), River Valley Co-Op, Abandoned Building Brewery (Brickyard Building), The Boylston Rooms (Keystone Building), and Se7ens Sports Bar and Grill.
City leaders, including Health, Police, and Fire, continued to meet after the first phase to determine locations for the expansion into local businesses based on overdose data and proximity to the Public Safety Complex and existing NaloxBoxes. The team also wanted to get the NaloxBoxes into the mill buildings and businesses with weekend and evening hours.
The purpose of the boxes is to provide Naloxone in public, accessible locations in the event of an overdose. It is important to note that using Naloxone has no adverse side effects, including if one were to use it accidentally on a person who is not experiencing an overdose.
According to statistics received from the Easthampton Police Department, between 2018 and March of 2022, there were 89 overdoses in Easthampton. Of those 89 overdoses, 14 individuals died as a result. Between 2020 and 2021, 22 overdoses occurred in public locations.
Businesses and organizations interested in having a NaloxBox or Naloxone training can contact the Health Department at (413) 529-1400 ext. 430.
NaloxBox located at City Hall