The Chico police received a free supply of Naloxone kits designed to combat opioid overdoses this week.

Naloxone is a nasal spray used as an emergency treatment for individuals experiencing an opioid overdose, according to a press release from the Chico Police Department.

With the help of state funding, the Butte County Public Health Department recently issued free kits throughout the county with hopes of confronting the ongoing opioid crisis that has been a threat to many lives.

According to the release, in 2017 alone the spray was administered by Chico officers to 191 patients during 911 calls.

“Issuing Naloxone as a treatment option provides our officers with a simple yet effective tool to combat the effects of an opioid-related overdose. I believe it will save lives,” said Chief of Police Michael O’Brien in the release.

“We are very encouraged by our partnership with the Chico Police Department and their willingness to equipt their officers with this life saving medicine,” said Lisa Almaguer, Communications Manager for Butte County Public Health.

The 41 kits priced at $3,075 will be distributed among well-trained law enforcement personnel throughout the city for proper emergency use.

Tisha Cheney can be reached at [email protected] or @orionnews_TC on Twitter.