A behavioral wellness center in Muskegon says it’s seeing positive results since adding Narcan vending machines to its facility last December to combat opioid overdoses.
Muskegon County saw 50 recorded deaths as a result of opioid overdoses in 2020, yet only 7% of individuals had access to Narcan at the time of their death. Certified peer recovery coach and health specialist, Jessica Blanchard with HealthWest says this is a life and death difference that’s happening across the state.
“The University of Michigan there’s 2,309 suspected fatal overdoses, so those are 2,309 people that if they had Narcan could still be here today.”
In hopes to change the outcomes, HealthWest, a behavioral wellness connection in Muskegon, brought in free and accessible Narcan vending machines in late December. Narcan, otherwise known as Naloxone, can be used to treat emergency narcotic overdoses – something Blanchard says she’s experienced first hand.
“The hardest part of recovery is getting clean and staying clean. Narcan saved my life multiple times."
However, she says the move brought a mixed response from the community.
“there’s a lot of stigma that comes with opioid use but don’t have a lot of knowledge about the cause of it. Can save not only the lives of people using heroine and other opioids recreationally but even individuals who are on prescription medications who might overtake those medications.”
Regardless of the controversy, Blanchard says the machines are getting use. With a two dose per consumer limit a week, she says she’s had to restock the machine twice, with 150 packets, which she says can save lives.
“Having it accessible for everyone is important and being able to provide it to the community is a great thing for us.”