Carrboro police will now carry kits to help prevent drug overdose deaths. The kits contain Naloxone, which temporarily blocks the effects of opiates.
Officials say accidental poisoning deaths have risen 300 percent in North Carolina since 1999, and opiate overdoses account for 92 percent of that increase.
All Carrboro officers, including those who work in patrol, schools and community services will be issued the kits and trained to administer the drug nasally.
Since December of last year, the Orange County Health Department has offered the life-saving kits to friends and family members of opiate users, along with training on how to use them.
Under the 2013 Good Samaritan law, people who seek help for an overdose victim can no longer be prosecuted for possession of small amounts of drugs, paraphernalia, or for underage drinking. This is meant to encourage reporting of overdoses and get victims help right away.
Police say that if you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives.
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