Massachusetts Community Naloxone Program (CNP)
The South Shore 5 Public Health Alliance is proud to participate in the Massachusetts Community Naloxone Program, a statewide effort led by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to prevent opioid overdose deaths and expand access to lifesaving resources in our communities.
Through this program, SS5 receives naloxone and other harm reduction supplies at no cost and distributes them directly to residents across Hanover, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, and Rockland. By increasing access to these tools and providing education on overdose prevention and response, we are working to make our region safer and better prepared to respond to substance use-related emergencies.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing. It has no effect if opioids are not present and can be administered by bystanders, family members, friends, or community members. Having naloxone readily available saves lives.
Harm Reduction Kits Available to Residents
The South Shore 5 Public Health Alliance distributes free harm reduction kits that include:
- Two doses of naloxone
- Rescue breathing mask
- Fentanyl test strips
- Educational materials on overdose recognition and response
- Information on treatment, recovery, and local support resources
Each kit also includes a voluntary, anonymous QR code survey so recipients can report if naloxone was used. This helps demonstrate the program’s impact and supports continued state funding for these lifesaving resources.
How to Get a Kit
Residents can receive a free kit:
- At community events such as health fairs and “Ask a Nurse” programs
- By contacting their local Health Department
- Through referrals from public safety partners such as police and fire departments
There is no cost and no identification required.
Education and Community Partnerships
In addition to distributing supplies, SS5 provides:
- Overdose prevention and response education
- Training on how to recognize and respond to an overdose
- Connections to treatment, recovery, and social service resources
We work closely with local health departments, public safety agencies, and community organizations to ensure residents have access to support when and where they need it.
Why This Matters
Opioid overdoses continue to impact communities across Massachusetts. Increasing access to naloxone and harm reduction education:
- Saves lives
- Reduces stigma
- Connects people to care and recovery services
- Strengthens community health and safety
This program is one of the many ways the South Shore 5 Public Health Alliance uses regional collaboration to expand services and respond to urgent public health needs.
Request a Kit or Learn More
To request a harm reduction kit, schedule a training, or partner with us for a community event, please visit the Contact page to contact your Health Department or SS5's Regional Public Health Nurse, Keri Ball.
To learn more about Overdose Prevention, please visit the SS5 Resource Hub.