Funded by the Town of Bedford’s opioid settlement funds, the Bedford Health Department is pleased to announce that Narcan distribution cabinets will be installed in select Town buildings throughout May 2025.

Taking too much of an opioid (including codeine, fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and oxycodone) can cause an opioid overdose and result in dangerously slowed or stopped breathing.

Narcan, a brand name of naloxone, is an opioid-reversal agent that restores breathing in someone who has overdosed on opioids by blocking the effects that opioids have on the body. Narcan works in 2-3 minutes after administration and its effects last 30-90 minutes. However, how quickly Narcan works and for how long it works depends on the amount of opioid the person has in their body. Some people will need multiple doses. Please note that you cannot harm someone by administering Narcan, even if the person you administer Narcan to is not overdosing on an opioid.

It is very important to call 911 if Narcan has been administered. A person who has overdosed may need multiple doses or require further care by a medical professional. Some people may appear to have overdosed on an opioid, but actually are suffering from another medical condition that isn’t treatable by Narcan. This will require the assessment of a medical professional in order to get the person appropriate care. Please always make sure to call 911 if an overdose is suspected or you encounter anyone who is medically compromised and/or unconscious.

Bedford will be joining nearby towns who have made free Narcan accessible in town buildings. The goal of this program is to provide Bedford residents and employees access to free Narcan that they can carry on their person. Each kit comes with easy to follow instructions for use. Opioid overdoses can occur anywhere, at any time. Having Narcan dispersed within the community has shown to decrease opioid overdose deaths and decrease the stigma around opioid use disorder. Consider making life-saving Narcan a part of your first aid kit.

Cabinets will be installed near the automated external defibrillators (AEDs) located in the following Town buildings:

• Town Center (4 locations) - 1st floor:   at the Council on Aging and at Kids’ Club; 2nd floor: at the top of the front stairs and inside one of the 2nd floor bathrooms
• Town Hall – 1st floor near the elevator
• DPW – 1st floor near the employee break area
• Free Public Library - 1st floor behind the circulation desk
• Old Town Hall – 3rd floor in the hallway

Community training programs on administration of Narcan will be announced on the Health Department’s webpage. 

Helpful phone numbers and websites:

• Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: call 800-327-5050, text “HOPE” to 800327, visit their website at https://helplinema.org/
• Massachusetts Behavioral Health Hotline: call or text 833-773-2445, or message a professional on their website at https://www.masshelpline.com/
• Suicide Prevention: call or text 988, or message a professional on their website at https://988lifeline.org/