As opioid deaths continue to rise locally and across the United States, the city of Dearborn is taking steps to help save lives.
At no cost, the city secured 396 units of Narcan, an opioid overdose-reversal medication, to increase access to the public with two stocked vending machines, according to an Instagram post.
The Dearborn Department of Public Health obtained Narcan, the brand name for the drug naloxone from the MDHHS and secured the machines from the Islamic Center of Detroit, said the post.
Learn more: No snacks or drinks, these vending machines dispense something that saves lives
As soon as the City Council approves the plan, the vending machines will be placed at the Dearborn Train Station, located at 21201 Michigan Ave., as well as a second location that is still to be determined.
“Dearborn is not immune from the opioid epidemic. Narcan is a proven lifesaver in overdose situations and increasing access to the Dearborn community is vital to saving lives,” said Dearborn Director of Public Health Ali Abazeed. “Our effort includes targeted outreach and support to get residents the help they need.”
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While the number of Dearborn residents with substance use disorders is unknown, Wayne County has the highest opioid overdose rate in the state, with 35.7 per 100,000 people, a number that has greatly increased in the last two decades.