GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – With the rash of opioid related overdoses that are occurring in our area and across the nation, Gridley-Biggs Police Department is educating and arming their staff with the skills and certifications necessary to administer life-saving Naloxone, commonly referred to as “Narcan”. In partnership with the Butte County Sheriff's Department and the Butte County Public Health Department, GBPD received 25 kits of nasal Naloxone, an overdose reversal medication that public health officials believe can mean the difference between life and death. The training and kits were made available to various local first responders and police departments through a non-competitive state grant that awarded funds to Butte County Public Health in order to establish the Naloxone program.

In a press release regarding the training and certification of GBPD Officers, Chief Byers said that “Our staff routinely responds to medical aids in the Gridley-Biggs community and often arrive on scene before fire and medical personnel.” He continues “Our partnership with the Butte County Sheriff's Office and Butte County Public Health Department are critical in allowing our Police Officers to take advantage of this life saving training and medication.”