Munson Healthcare, in partnership with Harm Reduction Michigan (HRMI), has installed 25 NARCAN (Naloxone) distribution boxes at facilities across the region 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,” Dr. Joe Santangelo, Munson Healthcare Chief Medical, Quality, and Safety Officerm said in a statement. “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.

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 emergenc

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)
Houghton Lake: Prudenville Community Health Center: 2585 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
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
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.