In partnership with the Substance Abuse Council, two free Narcan dispensing machines are available at Calhoun County facilities—one in the bond office of the Calhoun County Jail in Battle Creek, and one in the garden level of the County Building in Marshall. These refurbished newspaper stands are full of free Narcan (naxolone) nasal rescue kits, which contain three doses of Narcan and personal protection equipment to provide treatment. A QR code and website on the top and sides of the dispensing container provide instructions on how to administer Narcan.
These free kits are available to anyone who might need one, and the containers will be restocked as necessary by the Substance Abuse Council. Narcan is a lifesaving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose and is a tool to help those who are struggling with addiction stay alive and connect them with services.
The 2022 Medical Examiner’s Report for Calhoun County shows that the number of accidental drug-related deaths has decreased in Calhoun from 50 in 2020 and 59 in 2021 to 42 in 2022. Many of these deaths show fentanyl in the person’s system, which Narcan can reverse the effects of if caught in time and administered correctly.
“As we work as a community toward less addiction and eventually not needing Narcan available, this is a tool that can be used to save lives first and foremost. That’s the priority—keeping people alive,” said Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley. “Addiction affects many families, and all ages, races, and genders. By making Narcan easily available, we can save lives from overdose and work holistically toward curbing addiction.”
Anyone who witnesses a drug overdose should call 911 immediately. Michigan’s Good Samaritan law provides protection for people in possession of drugs to seek medical assistance for an overdose in certain circumstances, which makes saving lives the priority in these situations. Individuals interested in seeking treatment options can call 1-800-781-0353.
