Easthampton, MA - The Easthampton Health Department launched an anonymous ordering system for residents to pick up free products to help increase health and safety. Available products to start will be naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), fentanyl testing strips, *******, rapid COVID-19 tests, face masks, and hand sanitizer. Residents can order items anonymously through a Google Form and pick up the items in a drop-box located outside of the Health Department. Those who request items anonymously will choose a 5-digit number, and Health Department staff will fulfill the order in a bag labeled with the selected number.

Health Director Bri Dupras comments, “We want residents to feel comfortable requesting items such as fentanyl testing strips and naloxone. Accidental overdoses happen here in Easthampton, and it is important to decrease that risk by never using alone, checking for the presence of fentanyl, and having naloxone available. The Health Department has access to these items through grants and the Department of Public Health. We want the public to know these products are available and free to them.”

According to statistics from the MA Department of Public Health, in 2021, there were 2,156 opioid-related overdose deaths where a toxicology screen was also available. Among these deaths, on average, fentanyl was present in 93%. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and has been found in local street supplies of heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills such as Xanax and Adderall without the person’s knowledge. Informational cards with step-by-step instructions will be included in all requests for naloxone and fentanyl testing strips, as well as local resources.

The order form can be found here: https://forms.gle/Neso2oeSXZ5Yb7gQ8. Items can be picked up during business hours outside of the Health Department office located on the basement level of City Hall at 50 Payson Ave. All items will be located in a black drop box labeled ‘Item Request Pick Up Location.’ Requests will be fulfilled within 48 hours of the initial request.