Framingham Starts Narcan Training to Help Save Lives

Framingham has initiated a Narcan Training Program aimed at equipping residents with the life-saving medication Narcan, which can reverse opioid overdoses. Emergency responders in the city have already dealt with 58 opioid-related cases in 2024, a concerning increase compared to 164 incidents in 2023 and nearly 150 in 2022. Bill Murphy, the Director of Public Health, emphasized the importance of making Narcan accessible to the community, stating, "We really just want to make sure we get this into the hands of people and every bystander could save a life." Despite a general decline in overdose incidents across Massachusetts, Framingham has experienced a troubling rise, prompting urgency for the training program. Murphy noted that the initiative is crucial for addressing the local crisis, as the community grapples with the increasing number of overdoses. The training sessions, which last only 20 minutes, aim not only to educate participants on how to use Narcan but also to combat the stigma associated with opioid overdoses. Phalen, a program advocate, highlighted the need to change perceptions, stating that many individuals struggling with addiction are in significant pain and seeking relief. The Narcan training sessions are held every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. at the Framingham Health Department, located at 188 Concord St. The program seeks to empower citizens to take action in emergency situations and ultimately save lives.