COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

HAMPDEN DISTRICT

SUPERIOR COURT
TEL: 413-747-1000
FAX: 413-781-4745

HALL OF JUSTICE
50 STATE STREET
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 01102-0559

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

TEL: 413-747-1001
FAX: 413-747-5628

ANTHONY D. GULLUNI
DISTRICT ATTORNEY

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jim Leydon
Public and Media Information Director

(413) 505-5939, James.Leydon@state.ma.us

Spike in Opiate Overdoses Reported Across Hampden County
February 6, 2016 Springfield MA- Based on a spike over the last 72 hours of suspected opiaterelated medical emergencies and fatalities, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni is
advising the public that there is an increased risk of overdose and death from the use of illicit
opiates, including heroin.
District Attorney Gulluni said: Family and friends of suspected opiate users should be advised
of a potentially more lethal strain of heroin being distributed in the area. District Attorney
Gulluni stressed awareness of the Good Samaritan Law, which ensures that those who call 911
to report an overdose for themselves or others will not be charged with the possession or use of
opiates.
It is important to be aware of who is potentially at risk of overdose.

Someone who has had addiction issues and has just been released from jail and/or
has refrained from illicit drug use for a long period
Someone who has experienced an overdose already
Someone who is intentionally wanting to overdose
Someone living in an environment where recovery is not supported
Someone experiencing homelessness or is marginally housed
Please note Naloxone or Narcan, the drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is
available over the counter in most pharmacies.
At the direction of District Attorney Gulluni, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit
attached to his office is conducting an investigation into the distribution of the illicit narcotics
involved in these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to call the Massachusetts State
Police, Springfield Barracks, at 413-736-8390, or use the anonymous service, Text-a-Tip: text
message crimes (274637) and begin with the word solve.