In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, the St. Clair County Health Department is providing free NARCAN® kits through August 31.
Individuals 18 or older can visit the Health Department during regular business hours and pick up a free kit, anonymously, without a prescription, insurance or identification. Kits will include two doses of NARCAN®, a mouth shield, gloves, and written resources.
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized globally on August 31 to raise awareness about the risks of overdosing; honor the individuals whose lives have been lost; acknowledge the grief felt by families, friends, and the community; and work to challenge the stigma associated with substance use disorders and overdosing.
The State of Michigan had over 2,354 overdose deaths in 2019. More than seventy-five percent of those deaths were from opioid overdose. Preliminary data indicates these numbers increased in 2020.
Opioid overdose, in many cases, is a prevent able cause of death. One way to combat overdose is to increase access to life-saving Naloxone. NARCAN® (Naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray is the first FDA-approved nasal form of Naloxone, used for emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Anyone with an opioid prescription or knows someone who uses opioids should keep NARCAN® on hand and make sure friends and family know the signs of an overdose.
— Dr. Annette Mercatante Director
St. Clair County
