Work to reduce opioid deaths is beginning across the state.
It’s part of a $10 million investment to fight the opioid epidemic in Michigan.
Michigan ranks in the top 15 for drug overdose deaths… according to 2018 numbers from the C-D-C.
Daliah Heller of Vital Strategies says that’s because not enough communities have access to naloxone, a life-saving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.
“People might not call 9-1-1… and if 9-1-1 is not called at all the only option is that Naloxone at the scene.”
The group is partnering with Traverse City-non-profit… Harm Reduction Michigan… to give out more naloxone kits.
Heller is also working with the state to get medically-assisted treatment for patients in prison.
She says the group aims to have all their projects started in the next six months.