Closing Out August as Overdose Awareness Month- Everyone Should Have Narcan

August is Overdose Awareness Month and Michigan State Troopers want everyone stocking up on Narcan. Everyone should have Narcan on hand in case of an emergency. Overdoses are now often being classified as poisoning deaths. A poisoning has an offender that can ultimately be prosecuted, if victims don’t know they are taking fentanyl. “Overdoses affect every town, big and small. Last year, we had over 100,000 overdoses in the United States. That’s been the trend for the last couple of years. When we look at 20 years ago, we were right about, I think, 30,000 overdose deaths. So, it’s a big increase. And recently, fentanyl has been responsible for most of those overdose deaths, about 70 percent. That’s one of the reasons why everyone should have Narcan,” Michigan State Trooper Kunath said.

An overdose can happen anywhere at any time. Being prepared can divert an incredible tragedy. “It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. It is safe, there’s minimal side effects with it. All the medical staff that I’ve ever talked to, they said if you’re not sure if someone’s overdosing, you think it’s a possibility, give it to them anyway. And then call 911, because they still need to seek treatment afterwards. One of the things that we’re seeing is fentanyl is being mixed with everything. Whether it’s cocaine, methamphetamine, or even pressed into a pill that looks just like the pills that you would get it at a legitimate pharmacy. “The only drug you should take is a drug that’s been prescribed to you by your doctor. Obtain at a legitimate pharmacy and that is prescribed for you,” Drug Enforcement Agency Public Relations Coordinator Brian McNeal said. Obtaining a lifesaving dose of Narcan is easier than going through a drive thru. “It is available, I know a few places in the Alpena area; Catholic Human Services, the Health Department, Meds Cafe and the Sunrise Center. Some of them have 24-hour boxes outside where you can just grab and go,” Trooper Kunath said. Go pick up your Narcan today!