State Delivers Grants To Counter Opioid Abuse

Forty Massachusetts communities, including New Bedford, are receiving state funds to help stockpile supplies of a drug that can counter opioid overdoses.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's administration on Wednesday announced the $700,000 in grants that will go to many of the state's larger cities, along with smaller communities that have averaged four or more opioid overdose deaths in recent years.

Police and fire departments can use the money to purchase naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, which if administered promptly can reverse the effects of an overdose.

The state last year created a bulk purchasing fund to help make it cheaper for municipalities to access Narcan.

Baker says the grants will help save lives. Massachusetts recorded at least 1,089 overdose deaths in 2014. Full-year statistics for 2015 aren't yet available.   (Associated Press)