A naloxone (Narcan) distribution box has been installed at the downtown Battle Creek Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) at 119 McCamly Street. This box is a refurbished metal newspaper stand that will hold 100 naloxone kits. Each kit has three doses of naloxone, as well as gloves, facemask, and resources to access treatment.
The kits are available for free, to anyone who needs one. The Battle Creek ITC is open to the public from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. seven days a week.
The need for more naloxone access comes as overdoses in Calhoun County have been increasing due to many drugs being laced with fentanyl. Naloxone is a safe and life-saving medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. This reversal agent can restore normal breathing and save the life of a person who is experiencing an overdose. It is vital to get this into the hands of family members, friends, and community members who know or are around those in active addiction.
“We are thankful to the Substance Abuse Council for providing this resource in a city facility where many people will be able to access it,” said Battle Creek Police Chief Shannon Bagley. “We can better protect the community together, and this is another way neighbors can help those who are battling addiction.”
Even though naloxone is lifesaving, someone experiencing an opioid overdose still needs emergency treatment after receiving naloxone. Many bystanders/witnesses are scared to call 911 out of fear they will get into trouble with the police. Michigan has passed the Good Samaritan law to protect them from being arrested for certain drug-related crimes or being searched. Research has shown these laws can lower the number of opioid overdose deaths by 15%.
“We are very excited to have the City of Battle Creek partner with us in providing easy access to this necessary medication for loved ones who are using substances,” said Dawn Smith, Executive Director of the Substance Abuse Council. “Our website has online training on how to administer and additional resources.”
Find more information online at drugfreebc.org/narcan/.
In addition to the Battle Creek ITC, community members can obtain naloxone at several locations, free of charge, including Summit Pointe, the SHARE Center, and the Alano Club. Additional boxes will be installed in Albion and Marshall this summer.