Too many Michigan families are affected every year by overdose deaths and emergencies.
International Overdose Awareness Day is coming up on Aug. 31. This year marks the 20th anniversary of that campaign.
Jonathon Maxgay, overdose prevention specialist with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, says overdose deaths were increasing up until 2022, and they’ve been falling ever since.
In Michigan, that has translated to a 47% decrease in overdose deaths — a drop that Maxgay says the state credits to naloxone education and training.
“I carry it with me everywhere I go,” Maxgay said. “You never know when you might come across somebody who might be having an emergency.”
Maxgay joined Local 4 on Saturday to share the “five steps to save a life” and how to administer naloxone if necessary.
Use the player above to watch the full segment.