In 2024, first responders in Kent County administered the overdose reversal medication Narcan 784 times.
At the scene of drug-related emergencies, personnel will soon distribute leave-behind Narcan kits.
The new program is about harm reduction, says Kent County Emergency Medical Services Education Specialist Kyle Smith.
“EMS is involving and changing. We're not just showing up on scene anymore and treating you and taking you to the hospital. I think the addition of this program with EMS is a really good way to promote harm reduction strategies within EMS, which is something that we haven't typically done in the past.”
Ambulance crews have carried Narcan for emergency use but starting May 1, paramedics and EMT’s can leave behind a user-friendly version with overdose reversal medication and addiction treatment information.
“The benefit of having EMS leave behind these Narcan kits though is we're actually responding to these patients in a very critical moment. Typically, it's while they're involved in an opioid related overdose or while they're dealing with a patient who has identified as having a substitute disorder and maybe that patient doesn't have the access to get that medication.”
The project is funded through state grants and is in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Police Department and Grand Rapids Red Project which supports efforts to reduce drug overdoses.
