These 3 Michigan Cities Are Getting Narcan Vending Machines

Opioid overdose is a very serious issue throughout Southwest Michigan, and readily available Narcan can make saving someone's life a possibility in case of an overdose. But the issue is having Narcan available to everyday people, who may be able to offer help in a time of crisis.

Cass Family Clinic, which is an independent Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Southwest Michigan, recently announced they were granted $13,000 to install these vending machines in  Cass, Niles, and eventually Dowagiac this summer.

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Having these on hand is crucial, and as Chain Drug Review pointed out, although this is good news, it's very telling of the bigger issue we are dealing with:

Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental deaths and has led to a decrease in life expectancy nationwide. The Naloxone/Narcan provided at Cass Family Clinic’s facilities is a nasal spray drug that restores breathing by blocking opioids’ effects on the brain. It has no potential for abuse.

Cass Family Clinic Pharmacy Director Kevin Klipowicz commented on how crucial these vending machines are for those who accidentally suffer an overdose, and how life-saving they can be:

We’ve already had to re-stock the Narcan vending machine at our Niles location since being installed in April, so we know there is a definite need for safe and effective overdose reversal medication in Southwest Michigan. With the support of Cass County Opioid Settlement funds, Cass Family Clinic is proud to equip residents in the communities we serve with this life-saving tool and potentially save more lives.