Munson Healthcare (MHC), in partnership with Harm Reduction Michigan (HRMI), has installed 25 NARCAN® (Naloxone) Distribution Boxes at facilities across the health system to continue supporting a statewide trend of declining overdose deaths.
Supported by a grant from the Health Resource and Service Administration (HRSA), Munson has placed repurposed newspaper distribution boxes with the life-saving drug at seven hospitals, two urgent cares, and 16 ambulatory clinics in communities across Northern Michigan (see locations below). Harm Reduction Michigan, who maintains and monitors inventory for every location, restocks at least once a month and reminds the public it is available year-round.
“Carrying Naloxone is an extra layer of protection in the event of an emergency, much like you would an Epi Pen for an allergy,” said Dr. Joe Santangelo, Munson Healthcare Chief Medical, Quality, and Safety Officer. “In nearly 40 percent of overdose deaths, someone else was present at the time so having Naloxone available allows bystanders to easily administer medication through a nasal spray that could save a life.”
In November, the state of Michigan announced a nearly 6 percent decline in the number of deaths due to overdose, five times faster than the national decline during that same period. The state credits the decline to the launch of the Naloxone Direct Portal, which provides NARCAN® to community groups for free.
“This partnership with Harm Reduction Michigan demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with communities across the region to save lives and support substance use recovery efforts,” said Susan Kramer, Munson Healthcare Outpatient Behavioral Health. “As we experience this current cold snap, the public should know that studies have shown Naloxone remains effective even after exposure to extreme temperatures, hot and cold.”
According to Harm Reduction Michigan, frozen or even expired NARCAN® nasal spray can still be effective in an emergency. However, if frozen at the time an overdose occurs, the public is reminded to call 9-1-1 immediately, perform rescue breathing/chest compressions until the NARCAN® is thawed, or until help arrives. HRMI advises that rolling a frozen nasal applicator between warm hands vigorously can quickly thaw the contents for use in an emergency
Anyone at risk for an opioid overdose should carry Naloxone/ NARCAN®, especially people struggling with Opioid Use Disorder. Munson Healthcare offers free, anonymous, 24/7 access via outside distribution boxes at the following locations across the region:
- Boyne City: Charlevoix Physician's Clinic: 223 N. Park Street
- Cadillac: Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital: 400 Hobart Street (ER Entrance - Outdoor)
- Cadillac: Munson Healthcare Cadillac Primary Care: 7985 Mackinaw Trail
- Charlevoix: Charlevoix Hospital: 14700 Lake Shore Drive (ER Entrance - Outdoors)
- Charlevoix: Charlevoix Walk-In Clinic: 14709 W. Upright Street
- Empire: Family Care/Community Health: 9975 W. Ottawa
- Frankfort: Munson Healthcare Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital ED: 224 Park Ave (Main Entrance - Outdoors)
- Gaylord: Otsego Memorial Hospital: 825 N. Center Street (Main Entrance - Outdoors)
- Gaylord: OMH Medical Group – Family Practice: 829 N. Center Ave., Suite 210
- Grayling: Grayling Community Health Center: 1250 E. Michigan Ave
- Grayling: Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital: 1100 E Michigan Ave (Main Entrance - Outdoors)
- Lewiston: OMH Medical Group – Family Practice: 3040 Bourn Street
- Manistee: Manistee Family Care: 1391 E. Parkdale Ave
- Manistee: Manistee Hospital: 1465 E. Parkdale Ave (Between Main Entrance and ER Entrance - Outdoors)
- Mio: Mio Primary Care: 1321 S. Mt Tom Rd
- Prudenville: Prudenville Community Health Center: 2585 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
- Traverse City: Elmwood Primary Center: 921 W. Front Street
- Traverse City: Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center: 410 Brook Street
- Traverse City: Munson Medical Center: 1105 Sixth Street (ER Entrance - Outdoors)
- Traverse City: Munson Family Practice: 1400 Medical Campus Dr
- Traverse City: Munson Foster Family Urgent Care: 550 Munson Ave
- Traverse City: Munson OP Behavioral Health: 4230 Copper Ridge, Bldg. E
- Traverse City: Munson Pain Management: 550 Munson Ave
- Traverse City: Munson Professional Building: 1221 W. Sixth Street
- Traverse City: Munson Urgent Care West: 3074 N. US 31 S.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided financial support for this project. The contents are those of Munson Healthcare, and may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.