Nashua Opioid Deaths Dropped 22 Percent In 2018

NASHUA, NH — There are signs of hope amid Nashua's opioid crisis. Opioid overdose deaths dropped 22 percent in the city in 2018 while the use of Narcan — the opioid overdose antidote — more than doubled, according to statistics compiled by American Medical Response, which provides emergency services in Nashua. Overall, however, the number of suspected opioid overdoses remained steady at 314, a 4 percent increase over 2017.

"The most notable successes in these numbers is the significant reduction in mortality and the significant increase in the use of public Narcan," Christopher Stawasz, regional director for American Medical Response, said in a statement.

Along with the increased use of Narcan, the Nashua "Safe Station" program has been cited as another tool for combating the opioid crisis. Safe Station seeks to help those struggling with opioid abuse by allowing them to walk into any city fire station for recovery help, no questions asked. A total of 2,559 people have sought help through the program since it started in November 2016, according to Stawasz.

Nashua Opioid Statistics For 2018

• 314 suspected opioid overdoses — up 12 or 4% from 2017.
• 35 suspected opioid overdose deaths — down 10 or 22% from 2017.
• 208 milligrams of reported public Narcan use — up 230% from 2017.

Nashua Opioid Statistics For December 2018

• 25 opioid overdoses
• 5 opioid overdose deaths

Source: American Medical Response

This is a list of Nashua Safe Station locations at city fire stations:

• Amherst Street Station: 15 Amherst Street
• Lake Street Station: 177 Lake Street
• Spit Brook Road Station: 124 Spit Brook Road
• East Hollis Street" 70 East Hollis Street
• Airport Station: 101 Pine Hill Road
• Conant Road: 2 Conant Road
• Dispatch Center: 38 Lake Street

This is how Safe Stations works:

• "Any person seeking treatment and recovery will be able to enter a Nashua fire station where trained firefighters will connect him or her with help. AMR and Harbor Homes will immediately respond to each report.
• If there is no medical need for transportation to the emergency room, Harbor Homes will transport the person seeking help to the Maple Street shelter or to the Harbor Homes complex on High Street. If necessary, medical detox will be available.
• The person seeking help will be cared for while Harbor Homes professionals find an opening in an appropriate recovery program or facility."

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• Nashua Opioid Crisis: 2,000+ Get Help With 'Safe Station'

Photo credit: Alex Costello/Patch