Free Narcan in Holly to Save Lives from Overdose
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 11, 2024)
Holly, MI – A box at the Holly Police station installed in October provides life-saving medicine to stop overdoses. Anyone can come to the station to pick up Naloxone/Narcan any time, day or night.
Holly Police Department members were joined by the Holly Fire Department, Susan Papple of the Holly Area Community Coalition and Holly Village officials as the Naloxone box was delivered by Alexandra Hicks, Program Specialist with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities who donated the box and will maintain the supply inside.
The station is located at 315 S. Broad Street in Holly, and the box is accessible without having to enter the station. Holly also participates in the Hope Not Handcuffs Program, giving those struggling with addiction a way to get help. They can stop into participating police stations and be connected to a trained volunteer to help guide them towards recovery resources.
“I think some people would be surprised to know that there are overdose issues in the area,” said Holly Police Chief Jerry Narsh. “Holly is consistent with neighboring communities on overdose, per capita. The opioid epidemic is national and local, to every town. Fentanyl is the real killer, and has found its way into almost all illicit drugs from pills to cocaine. We will Never arrest our way out of addiction. We need better addiction recovery and resources, national and local.”
Having Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, on hand is the best way to save the life of someone who is overdosing. It is an opioid blocker that can immediately revive someone succumbing to an overdose, though sometimes more than one attempt at revival is needed.
“When an overdose happens, seconds count. The true first responder is the person who finds an unconscious person and can deliver a dose of opioid blocker, Narcan / Naloxone,” Chief Narsh said.
He added that the box also contains information on how to use the Narcan. The Alliance of Coalitions also often hosts training for how to spot an overdose, how to administer Naloxone, and how to find resources for recovery.
“Opioid addiction is a silent killer. All too often, addiction is hidden by the user and their family. Family and friends of an addict are the true first responders in an overdose. They are the first to find them. Having Narcan available while calling 911 is the only proven method to save a life, and provide a second chance at recovery,” the Chief said. “We are proud to work with our community partners who work tirelessly to help people survive and escape this trajectory of death.”
Holly Police also focus on substance abuse and accidental use prevention. They have three school resource officers who make sure that students at all grade levels have a connection with the department. They also work with the Holly Area Community Coalition and Holly Youth Assistance to provide education and support for families. Check out the resources below to learn more:
Holly Area Community Coalition
Alliance of Coalitions for Health Communities
