Since March 1, seven people in Wareham have died due to a fatal overdose, bringing the total number of overdose deaths in 2020 to 12. Including the fatal incidents, police have responded to 69 overdoses this year, 38 of which have occurred since March 1.

In the first six months of 2019, police responded to 69 overdoses, seven of which were fatal.

At many overdose calls since March 1, Wareham Police officers have administered Narcan, a nasal spray, to treat an overdose. Eleven officers have administered Narcan at fourteen different incidents.

Ten officers have administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or rescue breathing at overdose incidents since March 1.

Additionally, Wareham’s Communication Officers have begun lifesaving procedures before officers or emergency medical services have arrived on the scene. These officers give step-by-step instructions over the phone to often anxious callers.

“As the result of these officers’ actions, combined with our communications team, it is highly likely lives were saved,” Chief John Walcek said. “Our department acknowledges that the opioid crisis is still a major problem, and we will continue to do our part to lessen its intensity.”