DETROIT – The opioid crisis is a significant issue across the United States, and Detroit currently faces some of the highest overdose rates in Michigan.
In response, the Detroit Health Department is taking proactive measures to combat this epidemic by establishing Harm Reduction Wellness Stations throughout the city.
Those stations, which include vending machines and newsstands, are stocked with free life-saving kits, such as Narcan (naloxone), fentanyl test strips, and other essential items.
The goal is to make these resources available to the public 24/7, providing critical support to those in need and ultimately saving lives.
Denise Fair Razo, Detroit’s Chief Public Health Officer, emphasized the urgency of this initiative.
“Today, we are taking action,” Fair Razo said during a press conference unveiling the Harm Reduction Wellness Stations on Thursday (April 10).
The city is committed to preventing fatal overdoses by placing 25 of these wellness stations in vulnerable areas where opioid use and overdoses are prevalent.
Currently, those vending machines are located at key locations, including the Jason Hargrove and Rosa Parks bus terminals.
Using the vending machines is straightforward. Individuals can select the items they need, such as Narcan, and input their zip code.
The machine will also ask for age and race for data collection purposes.
In addition to the vending machines, 15 Narcan newspaper stands will be placed at various sites, including barbershops and salons. Some of these stations will also provide supplies aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV and STIs.
Detroit paramedic Christopher Porecca highlighted the program by demonstrating how to administer Narcan.
“Administering Narcan is easy,” said Porecca.
According to the Detroit Health Department, 14% of overdoses in the city over the past two years were fatal.
In 2024, Detroit EMS administered Narcan in 1,225 overdose emergencies, with 161 cases already reported this year, 82 of which occurred in April alone.
“We know that Narcan saves lives. And you never, ever know when you may need this,” Fair Razo said.
She acknowledged the tragic loss of lives in the community due to the opioid epidemic but emphasized that the city is taking steps to address the crisis.
Funding from opioid settlement agreements is facilitating the establishment of these Harm Reduction Wellness Stations, with plans to increase the number from 25 to 50 in the near future.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in Detroit’s fight against the opioid crisis, aiming to provide essential resources and support to those affected by addiction.