Newton-Wellesley Hospital Helps Waltham Battle Opioid Crisis

NEWTON, Mass. (October, 2015) - Newton-Wellesley Hospital has donated 50 doses of Narcan to first responders in Waltham. The drug is an effective antidote for any opiate overdose and has gained attention in Massachusetts as the state's heroin problem has reached epidemic proportions.

Nasal Narcan, which each fire truck carries, can be administered to reverse the impacts of fentanyl, heroin or oxycodone overdose. Specifically, it blocks the drugs rom reaching brain receptors.

"This is just an initial donation," said Kerry Watson, President, Newton-Wellesley Hospital. "We are committed to keeping the City of Waltham and its first responders supplied with Narcan as needed."

Massachusetts has seen a steep spike in opioid overdoses. As of March 2015, Middlesex County has seen 41 deaths from overdoses this year, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. In 2014, 146 people died from opioid overdoses in the state, according to the DA's office, up from 80 in 2013.

"Addiction crosses all socio-economic lines. These are our friends, our neighbors, our families," said Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy. "Together with Newton-Wellesley Hospital, we are prepared to address this critical problem."

According to the Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, in 2014, there were five know fatal opiate overdoses in Waltham. The age of the people who died last year ranges from 21 to 64 years old, but the statewide trend of people abusing substances is between 16 and 29.

"Newton-Wellesley Hospital recognizes the need to address substance abuse issues and has been working closely with community agencies to help battle the increasing opioid crisis in Waltham, “ said Newton-Wellesley Hospital Emergency Department Physician Barry Tils, MD.

In fiscal 2013, almost 500 people from Waltham were admitted to state-run treatment centers for substance abuse. About 39 percent were struggling from opiate addiction, which reflects a miniscule portion of how many more are out there, accoding to the DPH.

"Having a partner in Newton-Wellesley Hospital is critical for Waltham to fight the opioid epidemic that is affecting so many lives across the city and state," said Representative Tom Stanley. "I'm grateful for Newton-Wellesley's suport and look forward to collaborating with them more in the future to address this serious issue."