Town of Acton Health Department to Distribute Free Narcan Kits to Community Members

ACTON – Town Manager John S. Mangiaratti announces that the Acton Health Department will be handing out free Narcan kits to the public.  

Kits will be available at the Health Department Office in Town Hall, 472 Main St., starting Friday, July 21.

Kits include two doses of Nasal Naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, resource cards, gloves, and a CPR shield. 

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in 2022 there were 2,357 opioid overdose related deaths, which is a 2.5 percent increase compared to 2021. 

Narcan is an opioid antagonist. It can quickly reverse the effects of a potentially fatal overdose by binding to opioid receptors and reversing or blocking the effects of other opioids, quickly restoring normal breathing. The drug has no major side effects and can be administered by members of the public with limited training.

Narcan is not dangerous if administered to a person who is not overdosing, and it has no potential for abuse. 

Community members interested in obtaining a kit must undergo a short training by Acton Land Use staff.

The kits were provided to the Town through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Program. The program was developed to prevent and decrease opioid misuse and focuses on the education, intervention, treatment, and recovery for those affected by substance misuse.  

“This program is a great way to keep our residents safe and informed about the dangers of substance misuse,” said Town Manager Mangiaratti. “I would also like to recognize the excellent work of our Health Department and Health Director Sheryl Ball for helping us bring this program to Acton. I am proud to offer this program to our residents and community members.” 

Kits are available during regular business hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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