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East Bridgewater PD warn of recent overdose spike after 20+ reported in a week

EAST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — Police in East Bridgewater are warning the community of a recent spike after they recorded more than 20 overdoses including three deaths in just one week in Plymouth County.

Public safety and health officials also report they've been seeing an increase in the amount of Narcan needed to revive someone.

"Not only are we seeing more overdoses, but the amount of Narcan needed to reverse a person suffering from an overdose of heroin and/or fentanyl around currently," said East Bridgewater Police Chief Scott Allen. "We want everyone to be aware and to know that Narcan is available."

About three years ago, the average dosage administered to a person suffering an overdose would be of about six milligrams fo naloxone, the generic name of the drug. Today, the dosage needed has doubled and, in some cases, tripled.

Allen also highlighted that in the event of an overdose, anyone who calls 911 is protected under the Good Samaritan Law, which essentially protects them from being prosecuted - unless they have enough drugs on them to be considered trafficking or if they have an outstanding warrant.

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