Abington Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day with new tools
In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, the Town of Abington is highlighting its newly installed SAMBOXes in the Town Hall foyer and at Abington Public Library.
A SAMBOX is an opioid overdose rescue kit contained in a transparent, durable , easy-to-recognize mounted box. The kit includes Naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, a barrier device for rescue breathing, gloves and instruction cards. Access to these tools can be the difference between life and death for those experiencing an opiate overdose.
The installation of these boxes is part of Abington Health Department’s harm reduction efforts. They were paid for by funds granted to the Health Department by the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee.
“The Town Hall and Library SAMBOXES are the first over several throughout the town,” explains Health Department Public Health Nurse, Lindsay Wright. “We intend to install more at Island Grove and many other locations throughout the town. They are an important part of our work to address the opioid epidemic’s impact in Abington.”
“As a town, it is important for us to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day and its efforts to remember those who have died, without stigma and acknowledge the loved one they left behind,” said Scott Lambiase, Abington Town Manager.
In its work to address opioid overdose and addiction, Abington has an active committee providing advice, recommendations, and identifying spending priorities for the monies allocated to the town through the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund. The committee currently has one available vacancy on its board. Those interested can apply on the Town’s website or at Town Hall.