WORCESTER, Mass. — A spray of naloxone can be the difference between life and death.

"Narcan, or naloxone, is a life-saving medication, can reverse almost immediately the overdose episodes," said Dr. Mohammad Alhabbal, medical director of Worcester's AdCare hospital.

A dose of naloxone always sits around the neck of Dr. Alhabbal. The state of Massachusetts says more than 2,100 people died last year as a result of an opioid-related overdose. That's nearly six people a day, and fentanyl has only made the issue worse.

"The numbers and the statistics are very important to share so people will have more awareness of how significant the problem is," Alhabbal said.

naloxone is now available over the counter. DPH distributed nearly 200,000 kits in 2023. It's in schools, public buildings — places where it can be accessed fast.

It has become arguably the most important tool in the state's tool belt, especially as the stigma around addiction continues to rear its face.

"What we know is that one out of four, like 25% of the people who have substance use disorder, and more so opioids disorders, are in treatment," said Alhabbal. "So we're talking about 75% they are not seeking treatment."

Opioid-related overdose deaths dropped last year in Worcester, Chicopee and Pittsfield.

But while there is progress people are still dying.

"Knowing what is out there, educating our population, I think that can be very helpful," said Alhabbal.

Alhabbal says the first step is actually the most important, and that is actually reaching out to get help. He says you should reach out to your primary care provider and maybe a local substance abuse organization to get the help you need.