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Worcester officials consider placing Narcan boxes in public places

WORCESTER, Mass. — City officials on Worcester are considering placing emergency Narcan boxes in public places as another step toward tackling the opioid crisis.

City Councilor Kate Toomey works in the addiction field. She sees first-hand the tragedy of the opioid crisis, and she, like everyone else, is trying to fight it.

Overdoses are all too common in Worcester City Hall and Union Station, two of the locations where Toomey hopes to have Narcan boxes installed.

“I would like to see it. I would like to see that they might save a life. That would make me feel great, to know that we may have saved somebody who may do great things someday. Who may overcome this addiction, and you can't turn your head and say, 'They're not worth it.' Every person is worth it,” she said.

According to statistics provided by the state, 59 people died due to opioid-related overdoses in Worcester last year.

Toomey says it's important not only to get rid of the stigma of addiction but to recognize that mental health issues and trauma can lead to addiction, and that's why she says those afflicted with the disease could be any one of us.

City officials in Cambridge are also considering a similar plan to make Narcan available in public places.

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