Macomb County issued the following announcement on Aug. 27.
In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, The Macomb County Partnership for Overdose Prevention (MPOP), formerly Operation Rx, is hosting an event on Monday, August 31st to distribute free naloxone to interested individuals. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. In 2018, there were 257 opioid related deaths in Macomb County.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Community located at 40501 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights MI, 48313. Distribution of the naloxone will be on a first come, first served basis. Event staff will be wearing masks and those seeking naloxone should not leave their vehicle. You do not need to provide your name or any identifying information to receive naloxone. Information on how to use naloxone and available resources in the county for substance use disorder will also be distributed.
This event is intended to provide naloxone to community members who are most likely to save a life in an overdose-related emergency – people who have an opioid use disorder, and people who know someone who has an opioid use disorder.
“We’re excited to be able to host this event and make this life-saving medication so easily accessible in Macomb County,” said Annette Perrino, Program Manager for MPOP.
According to statistics gathered by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) opioid overdoses have increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS responses for opioid overdose increased by 33 percent from April to May of this year. Additionally, EMS responses for opioid overdoses from April through June 2020 were 26 percent higher than the same period in 2019.
This statewide initiative is funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with local coordination assistance from the Macomb County Office of Substance Abuse; the event at St. Michael’s Catholic Community is hosted by MPOP. MPOP's mission is to save lives by empowering individuals and the community to prevent and eradicate opioid and substance misuse in Macomb County. The MPOP executive committee includes representatives from the Macomb County Health Department, CARE of Southeastern Michigan, Families Against Narcotics, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Macomb County Office of Substance Abuse, Macomb County Medical Control Authority, and the Macomb County Intermediate School District.
Original source can be found here.
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