MassDOT makes naloxone available at some RMVs in pilot program

Massachusetts officials are making naloxone available at three state Department of Transportation facilities, as the state pushes to expand access to the overdose reversal drug.

MassDOT said security guards and other employees were trained on how to recognize an overdose and administer naloxone, often purchased as the nasal spray Narcan.

"We know that naloxone saves lives," said Gov. Maura Healey in a statement. "This is an important step by MassDOT to expand access to this life-saving medication."

More than 2,000 people died in Massachusetts after an overdose in 2023 — almost six people per day on average, according to the state's Department of Health.

Officials installed the stations as part of a pilot program on Monday at the Boston and Springfield RMVs, as well as MassDOT headquarters at 10 Park Plaza in Boston.

Patrick Lavin, MassDOT's chief safety officer, said these sites were chosen based on where the highest frequency of opioid overdose and 911 calls were.

"Assuming everything goes well with the pilot in the first 90 days, my goal would be to have it rolled out across all RMVs by the end of the year," Lavin said.

Lavin said this program was initiated by the department, and so far, the reception has been positive. Employees have reached out, asking about trainings and with suggestions for improvements.

" Our main focus here is public safety, whether it's in a highway or rail and transit, aeronautics. So this is just an extension of that public safety mission in my mind," he said.

Two years ago, the state budget provided funds for the MBTA to install Narcan kits at Red Line stations.

Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated which MBTA stations have Narcan kits. We regret the error.