Suffolk police officers now are carrying a nasal spray that can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose if administered in time.

The program is a response to a nationwide epidemic of deaths from heroin. Now-retired Maj. Stephanie Burch got the ball rolling last year, and the kits became available for officers to carry earlier this month.

“The officers check the kits out as they come to work, just like they would check out a radar or (automated external defibrillator),” said Maj. James Buie, adding that the kits cannot be left in cars, as they would be subjected to extreme temperatures. “Police departments have had a lot of success with saving people.”

Through October of 2016, there had been 21 opioid overdoses and two deaths in Suffolk, Lt. Jesse Epperson, the lieutenant for the special investigations section, said in November. In 2015, the city saw 28 overdoses and four deaths.

The nasal spray immediately reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, which can include breathing problems and loss of consciousness and may eventually lead to death.

The Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue already carries naloxone on ambulances and fire trucks, but a police officer is often closer to the scene of the call.

“Normally, you would have to wait for rescue to get there,” Buie said. “This is another way, when (officers are) the first to arrive on scene, they can start lifesaving procedures.”

The police department received a $5,000 grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation to purchase 60 two-dose packs, Buie said. According to the website for Narcan, a brand name for naloxone nasal spray, two doses sometimes are needed if the person relapses after the first dose.

Dr. Michael Genco, a local physician who is also the department’s medical director, is writing the prescription for the department so the supply can be replenished as the kits are used or expire, Buie said.