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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

Narcan Trainers Enlist Public’s Help in Preventing MA Overdose Deaths

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Friday, September 30, 2022   

At libraries, colleges and even movie theaters, more people in Massachusetts are learning how to prevent an opioid overdose death by administering the drug Narcan. It is an effort public health workers say is desperately needed to combat the record number of overdose deaths in the Commonwealth.

More than 2,200 people died of an opioid overdose in Massachusetts last year, a nearly 9% increase from the year prior.

Brian Sink, program manager for the Access: Drug User Health Program at Fenway Health, said he is encouraged by the growing number of people being trained for what he calls "an all-hands-on-deck moment."

"Sometimes we're contacted for training after an overdose has occurred at a venue location," Sink noted. "But oftentimes, it's truly folks being proactive, and recognizing that they may find themselves in situations where they have the opportunity to help."

Sink explained the free training is comprehensive. Participants learn how to spot an overdose and check a person's vital signs before administering a single-step dose of nasal Narcan, as well as any rescue breaths needed while waiting for help to arrive. Narcan is available at most health clinics and pharmacies, although you must be 18 to purchase it.

Sink emphasized young people in particular are increasingly requesting Narcan training, and working to break the stigma surrounding an overdose.

"I think if you're at a restaurant or a bar and someone calls out for an EpiPen these days, there's probably a handful that will be thrown into the air," Sink observed. "Our hope is that Narcan is, in the same way, or will be soon."

He hopes more people will consider using Narcan much like they would CPR, and understand Massachusetts' "good Samaritan" law protects both the victim and the person seeking help from arrest or prosecution for drug possession.


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