MONROE COUNTY — Narcan is saving local lives. Last year, Monroe County saw the fewest overdose deaths in several years.
“As of calendar year 2024, a total of 2,735 life-saving Narcan kits have been distributed through multiple community partners in Monroe County,” said Sarah Derigo, executive director of Recovery Advocacy Warriors (RAW). “Looking at the data, we see a correlation between the increased distribution of Narcan and a decline in drug-related deaths over the past several years.”
Local overdose death statistics
Derigo shared the total number of drug-related deaths in Monroe County for the last few years:
- 2018: 45 deaths
- 2019: 35 deaths
- 2020: 55 deaths
- 2021: 52 deaths
- 2022: 39 deaths
- 2023: 23 deaths
- 2024: 19 deaths
“Despite an overall decrease in overdose death rates in our region, we know that certain populations are seeing increases in overdose deaths, so it’s important we continue our work and consider health disparities when implementing our programs,” Derigo said.
Learn about Narcan and how to use it from Derigo and other sources.
What is Narcan?
Naloxone or Narcan, according to a U.S. government publication, “is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose.”
How is Narcan administered?
Narcan is a nasal spray.
What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing?
According to a flyer from the Monroe County Health Department, there are five steps:
- Check for a suspected overdose. Ask the person to wake up and shake the person gently. If the person doesn’t respond, go to the next step.
- Give one dose of spray.
- Call 9-1-1.
- Watch. Wait two to three minutes. If the person doesn’t wake up, give doses every two to three minutes or until the person wakes up.
- Once awake, stay with the person until the ambulance arrives. Give another dose if the person becomes sleepy again.
“If Narcan is used during an emergency, it is critical to call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. While Narcan reverses the effects of opioids temporarily, further medical attention is needed to prevent complications or re-overdose,” Derigo said.
What happens after Narcan is administered?
“A person may experience shaking, sweating, nausea or even strong emotions, like anger,” the health department said.
How should Narcan be stored?
Room temperature or refrigerated is best. Do not freeze Narcan. Avoid excessive heat and protect it from light, said the Monroe County Health Department.
Can Narcan be used on children and teens?
“Yes, Narcan is safe for individuals of all ages, including children and teenagers,” Derigo said. “It works by rapidly reversing the effects of opioid overdose, regardless of the person’s age or weight.”
What if a person is given Narcan and wasn’t overdosing?
“There is no risk of harm if Narcan is administered to someone who is not actually experiencing an opioid overdose,” Derigo said.
Does Narcan expire?
“Yes, Narcan does have an expiration date, which is printed on the box. However, studies suggest that Narcan remains safe and effective for some time after expiration, although its potency may decrease. If you only have an expired dose available during an emergency, it is still better to use it than not to use anything,” Derigo said.
“For the best results, always check expiration dates and replace kits as needed. Many organizations that provide free Narcan also offer replacements when kits are expired or used,” she said.
Where can I get free Narcan?
“Free Narcan kits are widely available throughout Monroe County, thanks to a collaborative effort among community organizations, healthcare providers and public safety agencies,” Derigo said. “These resources are part of a larger county-wide effort to make Narcan readily available and accessible to those who need it, and to reduce stigma around substance use and recovery.”
Here’s where to get free Narcan:
- Recovery Advocacy Warriors, 554 Rambow Drive in Monroe
- Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, 234 Colonial Court in Monroe
- Saint Joseph Center of Hope, 222 Colonial Court in Monroe
- Family Medical Center, various locations; see the list here.
- Salvation Army Harbor Light, 3250 N. Monroe St. in Monroe
- Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 100 E. Second St. in Monroe
Narcan also is available at Save-A-Life Stations
“These stations are stocked with Narcan and other harm-reduction supplies,” Derigo said.
Here are the locations:
- Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 100 E. Second St. in Monroe
- Salvation Army Harbor Light, 3250 N. Monroe St. in Monroe
- Monroe Community Ambulance, 1598 W. Seventh St. in Monroe
- Towne Square Market, 1002 E. Third St. in Monroe
- Oaks of Righteousness, 1018 E. Second St. in Monroe
- Monroe County Opportunity Program, 1140 S. Telegraph Road in Monroe
- Arthur Lesow Community Center, 120 Eastchester St. in Monroe
- Salvation Army Family Manor, 815 E. First St. in Monroe
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 903 S. Telegraph Road in Monroe
- Dr. Arun Gupta’s Office, 1094 N. Monroe St. in Monroe
- Monroe County Community College, 155 S. Raisinville Road in Monroe
Where can I learn more about Narcan and overdose deaths?
“We have various sources of data surrounding Narcan in Monroe County. We currently gather and publish data directly to KnowMoreMonroe.com, including overdose fatalities reported by the Monroe County Health Department,” Derigo said.
“Another great source for data is Michigan Overdose Data to Action’s dashboard,” she said.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
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