Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Scituate Council OKs opioid‑settlement spending for life‑saving gear and training
Summary
The council approved using opioid settlement funds to buy emergency medical equipment and to fund community CPR/Narcan training and outreach, including a LifePak ($64,362) and a LUCAS device ($24,799.25); Narcan cabinets may be donated rather than purchased.
Scituate’s Town Council approved a package of expenditures from the town’s opioid settlement fund to buy emergency medical equipment and expand community training.
John Robinson, the town’s EMA director, presented four items he said would use current settlement funds: a LifePak monitor/defibrillator for North Scituate Fire Department with a six‑year warranty at a cost stated as $64,362; a LUCAS mechanical chest‑compression device for emergency medical services with a six‑year warranty at $24,799.25; an American Heart Association CPR/AED/Narcan training program for residents, town employees and volunteers capped at $15,000 annually; and up to $2,500 for opioid‑awareness literature and Narcan cabinets for town buildings.
Robinson told the council he had located a contact who may donate Narcan cabinets, and that Narcan supplies were already available at no cost; he said the town could move money to outreach materials if the cabinets were donated. Councilors praised expanding training and outreach, noting that new AHA standards include opioid awareness and Narcan training.
Council discussion also focused on outreach plans. One councilor asked that the town consider broader mailings and materials used by neighboring communities; Robinson said he would reach out to regional partners and recovery‑program contacts to expand distribution and training opportunities. The council voted to approve the full package of expenditures as presented.
Next steps: Robinson said he would follow up with potential donors for Narcan cabinets and return with program details for training and outreach timelines.
