Cadillac--Munson healthcare has partnered with “Harm Reduction Michigan’ in an effort to decrease Michigan overdose deaths.
A grant from the Health Resource and Service Administration gave 50,000 to the two partners for installation of 25 narcan distribution boxes throughout Northern Michigan.
Narcan is a potentially lifesaving drug when administered. It can quickly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects and restoring breathing capabilities.
Munson behavioral health practice administrator, Susan Kramer said increased accessibility to narcan contributed to Michigan’s 6 % decline in overdose deaths in 2024.
“Part of the reason we think the overdose death rate is going down in Michigan is access to narcan in the community,” said Kramer. And to have it outside, to have it accessible, means people don’t have to go to a pharmacy, they don’t have to go through their provider to get access.”
According to Michigag.gov, in 2024, within a six-month time period, more than 1,000 people died from drug overdoses statewide.