Increase in Incidental Overdoses
A message from the Kent County Health Department:
Over the past weeks, there has been an increase in incidents of overdose in the Heartside area of Grand Rapids, including one death. It is suspected that a tainted batch of heroin is circulating the community so please help make people aware of this increased risk and provide information on accessing and using Naloxone, also known as Narcan.
If you suspect an individual is experiencing an overdose, first call or text 911. The signs of an overdose are:
Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils"
Falling asleep or losing consciousness
Slow, weak, or no breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Cold and/or clammy skin
Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
Naloxone provides life-saving intervention during an Opioid overdose. It comes as either an intramuscular (injectable) or a nasal spray and is approximately the same size as an inhaler; anyone can carry and administer Naloxone. For more information on Naloxone in Michigan, including how to recognize a potential overdose and administer Naloxone, please visit the Michigan Substance Use Disorder resource here.
Vending machines are available throughout the city for free, 24/7 access to Narcan, with additional services provided by Grand Rapids Red Project at their Hall Street location and various community locations throughout the week:
Grand Rapids Red Project: 401 Hall Street SE, Grand Rapids 49507 – outdoor vending machine with Narcan; other free services including drug testing and CleanWorks harm reduction supplies available Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm
Cherry Health Heart of the City: 100 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids 49503 – outdoor vending machine with Narcan and fentanyl test strips
Kent County Health Department: 700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids 49503 – outdoor vending machine with Narcan and fentanyl test strips
Red Project Mobile Unit – various locations throughout the city; view the map for hours and locations
For a map of all Narcan access locations in Kent County, visit here.
If you are interested in learning more, the Grand Rapids Red Project provides overdose prevention and response training, with certified trainers able to answer questions, provide insight and demonstrate life-saving skills in the event of an Opioid overdose. In addition, training sessions include Naloxone distribution to equip individuals with tools to respond and save lives. For more information, contact info@redproject.org or call (616) 456-9063.
