THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 18, 2025 Page 3 Life-Saving Advice About Narcan Two Everett city workers share their knowledge on how ordinary citizens can reverse an opioid drug overdose By Mark E. Vogler P olice, firefighters and emergency first responders for several years have been credited with contributing to the dramatic drop in opioid drug-related deaths by quickly administering the life-saving medicine Narcan to victims of a drug overdose. This week, two Everett city workers who are involved in the local war on drug abuse told a small gathering at the Saugus Senior Center how they can respond if they encounter a person who is suffering from a drug overdose. “Narcan is a life-saving drug,” said Paul Guarino, Roadmap to Recovery program coordinator for the City of Everett Fire Department. “Everybody should have it in their household,” he said. Guarino said Narcan should be a part of every home’s first aid kit and that family members should know how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer Narcan while they wait for the police or fire department to respond to the scene. “This year, we’ve only had 16 overdose calls through July,” Guarino said. “There were 180 a year when I first started going out on calls,” he said. Joining Guarino during the Narcan presentation was Eric Mazzeo, the assistant director of Youth Substance Use Prevention in Everett. The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee sponsored the Narcan Presentation, which included light refreshments and distribution of informational material. Guarino gave a demonstration of how to use Narcan and also shared boxes of the medication with the audience. Each box contained two single-dose nasal spray devices. Most pharmacies sell Nar50 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street THE DANGERS OF FAKE PILLS: “If you’re not getting a pill from a pharmacist or doctor, you’re playing Russian Roulette,” said Paul Guarino, Roadmap to Recovery program coordinator for the City of Everett Fire Department. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) can or Naloxone – the generic brand of the medication – for $40 to $50 a box, he said. Personal addiction experience Guarino has been working in his outreach position with the Everett Fire Department for the past four years. He is a pharmacist by trade, and he told the Senior Center audience that it was a personal addiction to Percocet that led to his life spiraling out of control. “I was the kid in the candy shop,” Guarino recalled of how became addicted while working as a pharmacist. “Back in 2009, I had some real bad foot pain,” he recalled. Rather than seeing a doctor, Guarino said, he began self-medicating with Percocet pills he got from the pharmacy. The pain went away, but he kept taking them – until the pharmacy discovered his addiction. “For the grace of God, I got caught in 2012. My new high today is helping people,” he said. Mazzeo recalled that his substance abuse problem also took a positive turn once, after he got help. “I grew up in the city of Everett and was a good football player but struggled with some things internally and turned to drugs and alcohol as a quick fix,” Mazzeo told The Saugus Advocate. “I have over six years in recovery myself and love to help others, especially our youth. I got involved in a 12step program, which saved my life and basically got me this job,” he said, referring to his position as the Assistant Director of Youth Substance Use Prevention for the City of Everett. “I love being around the youth and being a positive male role model for them,” he said. “How you can do your part and help reduce the number of overdoses is by being aware of the resources that are out there, asking for help and being a bright light for someone struggling without passing judgement. Addiction and alcoholism is hard LIFE-SAVING | SEE PAGE 8 We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! Sunday Monday Tuesday PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-5 P.M. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Closed 7:30 - 11 P.M. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $11.00 Price includes Roller Skates Private Parties 11 - 3 P.M. 12 - 5 P.M. 8:30 - 11 P.M. 12 - 9 P.M. $10.00 $10.00 $11.00 Adult Night - 18+ Only $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com 18+ Adults Only - ID Required
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