February 1, 2016
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-368-7236
Or 508-688-5565
WORCESTER – The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office received nearly $106,000 in state funds to help reduce heroin and opioid crime, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. announced today.
The grant, part of $2.5 million released by Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration to law enforcement agencies across the state, will be used to purchase more doses of narcan. Administered to people who have overdosed on opioids, narcan is used by police and other first responders to help addicts overcome the effects of an overdose.
Mr. Early said some of the money will used to pay for a pilot program in Fitchburg. The program will pair overdose victims with recovery coaches from AdCare Hospital who will talk with each victim and victim’s family about treatment options. There is a potential to expand the program beyond Fitchburg.
“We’re seeking to reduce drug- and addiction-related crime and unintentional opioid overdose deaths through intervention,” Mr. Early said.