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International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31

Narcan should be in every first aid kit.

REGION – Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) would like to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 as a stark reminder of the harm that drugs inflict on our society. It is a day to remember those who have fallen victim to overdoses, as well as their loved ones. International Overdose Awareness Day also aims to reduce the stigma attached to the issues that families of victims often face. Such attitudes suppress efforts in raising awareness around overdose deaths by unfairly blaming those struggling with substance use disorder. August 31 is a day to come forward and stand in solidarity to reduce future overdose deaths.

Central Michigan District Health Department offers Narcan for free to anyone who needs it through their Syringe Service Program, Exchange Central. Narcan is a potentially lifesaving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. Since most overdoses happen in the home, having Narcan nearby can make all the difference. Overdose deaths in Michigan continue to rise. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), there were 2,354 overdose deaths in Michigan in 2019, 2,738 in year 2020, and 2,809 in 2021 (Michigan Overdose Data to Action Dashboard).

On Wednesday, August 31st, Central Michigan District Health Department will be handing out free Narcan at its Clare County location: 815 N. Clare Ave, Suite B, in Harrison, during regular business hours. No ID is required, and there are no restrictions on county of residence.

For more information about getting Narcan for free through CMDHD’s program Exchange Central, call (989) 773-5921 ext. 1446. To get Narcan delivered through the mail for free, visit Next Distro at www.nextdistro.org.

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