Press

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the nation was in the throes of another public health crisis: the opioid epidemic.

LANSING, MI-- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched an online portal where community organizations can request free naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses and saves lives.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the nation was in the throes of another public health crisis: the opioid epidemic.

More than 2 million Americans struggle with opioid use disorder, and about 130 Americans on average die every day from an opioid overdose. Opioids account for a majority of drug overdose deaths, the leading cause of accidental death in the US. It's a crisis that's been a priority for officials at the federal, state and local levels for years.

Before coronavirus, drug users coming to the Harm Reduction Center in Asbury Park to exchange dirty needles for clean ones would be warmly greeted by staff, who would ask how they were doing and whether they wanted counseling or other support. It was personal, on purpose.

Now, site coordinator Robert Lowry is handing kits of clean syringes and test strips through a window, separated from the population he’s trying to help by a wall, gloves and a mask.

During this time of shuttered office hours and restricted access to services, those who offer free naloxone want at-risk individuals and their families to know they can still get the lifesaving drug, either in person or through the mail.

A west Michigan nonprofit focused on helping those impacted by the opioid crisis is bolstering up its resources to continue providing help as the coronavirus outbreak spreads across the state.

The Grand Rapids Red Project will mail you Naloxone, also known as narcan, for free.

In places where needle exchanges are scarce or even illegal, one online, mail-based needle exchange is trying to get people safe injection supplies and overdose reversal materials.

As the nation’s opioid epidemic claims an average of 130 American lives every day, clinics and other medical services stand ready to help. But many drug users don’t seek treatment partly because of the stigma that follows addiction, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

Ideally, opioid addiction could be prevented altogether. But failing that, strategies to make drug use safer can curb opioid-related death.

Recognizing the limited availability of naloxone, one company aims to sell the opioid overdose reversal drug online without needing a doctor’s prescription in all 50 states, including Virginia.

Since people can already order fentanyl and other harmful drugs via the darknet, NEXT wants to make obtaining items that reduce harm just as easy to get.

What I’ve learned is that [syringe exchange programs] are everywhere,” says Jamie Favaro, founder of Next Harm Reduction. “Even if we’re unsanctioned, unfunded, there are underground syringe exchanges across this country. And I’m finding out about new ones every day.”