Four Lakes task force
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Harm Reduction
The Midland County Health Department is partnering with local organizations in an effort to reduce harm associated with drug use and prevent deaths caused by opioid overdose.
Harm Reduction Resources
https://neverusealone.com/1-877-696-1996 or 1-800-484-3731
If you’re going to use by yourself call: Never Use Alone.
You will be asked your first name, location, and the number you are calling from.
An operator will stay on the line with you while you use.
If you stop responding after using, the operator will notify emergency medical services (EMS) of an unresponsive person at your location.
Visit the Harm Reduction Station located outside the Northwest side of the Midland County Services Building 24/7, or walk-in to the clinic on the second floor during business hours.
Items typically stocked in the Harm Reduction Station:
- Narcan
- Fentanyl Test Strips
- Xylazine Test Strips
- Wound Care Kits
- Lock Bags
- Gun Locks
CLICK FOR A LIST OF ADDITIONAL NO COST NARCAN (NALOXONE) DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS IN MIDLAND COUNTY.
The map below shows additional locations throughout Midland County where Narcan (Naloxone) is available at no cost:
Naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan) is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Unusual sleepiness or drowsiness
- Unresponsive, limp body
- Slow, shallow, or absent breathing
- Gurgling or snoring sounds
- Cold and clammy skin
- Blue nails and lips
- Nausea or vomiting
- Low blood pressure
If an overdose is suspected, administer Narcan Nasal Spray, and call 911 immediately.
Naloxone, the active ingredient in Narcan Nasal Spray, competes with opioids to bind with the same receptors in the brain, reversing the effects of an opioid overdose.
- Narcan does not require a prescription and is available "over-the-counter".
- Narcan is not addictive.
- Narcan can be used for a suspected overdose in infants, children, teens, adults, and the elderly.
- Narcan will not cause harm if given to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.
ALWAYS CALL 911 when Narcan Nasal Spray is administered. Narcan is NOT a substitute for emergency medical care.
- Long-acting opioids pose a risk of repeat overdoses for several hours and may require multiple doses of Narcan Nasal Spray (given 2-3 minutes apart).
Click HERE for a list of No-Cost Narcan (Naloxone) Distribution Sites in Midland County.
- If you cannot travel to one of these locations or access Narcan (naloxone) locally, request Naloxone by mail from NEXT Distro and the Grand Rapids Red Project: https://nextdistro.org/migate
Our goal is to reach individuals within the Midland community that could benefit from having Narcan (Naloxone) on hand, such as:
1) Individuals who receive prescription opioids or have prescription opioids in their home (e.g. Oxycodone/OxyContin, Hydrocodone/Vicodin, Morphine, Methadone, Codeine, Fentanyl).
2) Individuals who use non-prescribed or illegally manufactured opioids or have them in their home (e.g. heroine, illegally manufactured fentanyl).
3) Individuals who have an increased potential to witness an overdose.
Individuals and businesses should make Narcan Nasal Spray part of their FIRST AID KIT.
- Narcan is most effective when administered quickly!
Resources:
FDA News Release: FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray- March 29, 2023
Take precautionary measures to prevent accidental overdose and poisoning:
1) Practice safe storage:
- Keep prescribed medications in original packaging
- Store opioids and other substances in a locked container
- Keep medications and other substances out of reach of children & pets
2) Closely follow dosing instructions for prescribed opioids and other medication
3) Do not share prescribed opioids or other prescribed medication with others
4) Safely dispose of unused medication at designated drop-off locations
5) If opioids are in your home, keep Narcan/Naloxone readily available in case of an overdose, and ensure household members know the signs of an overdose and how to administer Narcan/Naloxone!
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Proper disposal of sharps is an important step in the prevention of needlesticks, which could lead to exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
The Sharps Disposal Flyer outlines how you can properly dispose of sharps:
Link to: City of Midland Restricted Refuse Items
There is a sharps disposal container located on the harm reduction station outside of the Midland County Service Building- 220 W. Ellsworth St.
