Macomb County Group Offers Free Naloxone Monday

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — The Macomb County Partnership for Overdose Prevention is hosting an event Monday to distribute free naloxone to residents, the county announced Wednesday.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. In 2018, county officials said, there were more than 250 opioid related deaths in Macomb County.

“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.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Road, in Sterling Heights.

Distribution of the naloxone will be on a first come, first served basis, the county said. 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.

The 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, the county said.

According to statistics provided by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, opioid overdoses have increased during the coronavirus pandemic. EMS responses for opioid overdose increased by 33 percent from April to May of this year, according to MDHHS data. EMS responses for opioid overdoses from April through June 2020 were 26 percent higher than the same period in 2019.