City Council updated on opioid substance abuse initiatives

Public Health Dept. says Narcan distribution saving lives

By Barbara Taormina

Public Health Director Lauren Buck, Carrieann Salemme and Nicole Palermo met with the City Council at their last meeting to present an update on Revere’s opioid settlement funding and programs. According to Buck, as of the end of September, the city had received about $670,000. The number changes as each company enters settlements in the case against opioid manufacturers and distributors. Thus far, the city has spent roughly $250,000 and has $427,000 remaining. An additional $1.5 million is expected to come into the city over the next 10 years.

For 2025, the Substance Use Disorder and Homelessness Initiatives Office has a $150,000 budget, with $75,000 going toward a mobile outreach team, $50,000 for outreach and training for local businesses and $25,000 for the Chris Alba Warming Center at 437 Revere St.

Salemme described the NaloxBox Initiative that involves posted boxes where people can access free, no-questions-asked doses of Narcan, a nasal spray that reverses the effects of an overdose. Since May, when the boxes were installed, 620 doses of Narcan have been distributed. Boxes were placed in locations where overdoses were reported, syringes have been found and where there is a lot of foot traffic. The locations where the boxes have seen the most use are Shirley Avenue near Dunkin’, Joe’s Market and the MBTA bus stop. Salemme said the boxes are checked and restocked every week and there have been no thefts or vandalism. There have been two reports of in-the-moment use of the available Narcan used to save lives.

Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky said he has passed by the Shirley Avenue box and noticed that it was open. He also said nearby businesses have questioned the impression the boxes give residents and visitors to Revere. But Salemme said the stigma associated with opioid abuse is the biggest challenge to helping people with their recovery and the boxes are a way to battle the stigma.

Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas asked about the new public health emergency fund created to support residents in crisis due to fire, flood or other emergencies. Buck took the opportunity to highlight an ongoing online auction launched to raise funds for the local emergency fund. Items on the block include Celtics tickets, a trip to Italy and dinner from chef/Mayor Patrick Keefe. The auction can be found by clicking the second red banner at the top of the city’s website.

Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya had questions about the Chris Alba Warming Center, which is in her ward. Plans are to have it open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. January through March. Guarino-Sawaya expressed concerns about people congregating out front, and she asked how the 437 Revere St. location was chosen. Buck said the Warming Center continues to face resistance wherever the much-needed program is located. Buck said there will be security and there haven’t been any problems with warming centers in other locations.