FAN aims to prevent accidental overdose deaths by building collaborative partnerships, providing overdose education to community rescuers, and distributing the life-saving emergency NARCAN nasal spray at no cost. Our team provides overdose education to all community sectors, including the general public, local businesses, healthcare systems, and law enforcement across Michigan. Attendees learn how to properly administer naloxone (Narcan), a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. Additionally, FAN promotes equitable access to naloxone by placing free Narcan dispensers in public places. Our team works with healthcare and public safety agencies to incorporate resources and best practices in overdose prevention to ensure compassionate, informed care for all.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose caused by prescription pain medication, heroin, or fentanyl. This opioid-reversal agent has been approved by the FDA and used in the clinical setting since 1971. With the increase in out-of-hospital overdose emergencies and their time-sensitive nature, NARCAN–a 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray–became a tool designed for bystander rescuers of varying levels of training to administer before medical help arrives.
In Michigan, six people die every day from fentanyl-involved overdoses. Fortunately, Michigan law empowers bystanders to carry and administer naloxone when an opioid overdose is suspected. Bystander naloxone saves hundreds of lives each year and serves as a safe, effective tool to protect our loved ones and neighbors from the risks of opioids.
If you are going to use it by yourself, call this organization! You will be asked for your first name, location, and the number you are calling from. An operator will stay on the line with you while you use. If you stop responding after using, the operator will notify emergency services of an "unresponsive person" at your location.
CALL: 877-696-1996
DON'T RUN CALL 911
Anyone who in good faith calls for help for themselves or another person experiencing a drug overdose cannot be arrested, charged, or prosecuted if they possess an amount of controlled substances that is for personal use only, if the evidence for the charge was discovered because they called for help.
This protection also applies to the person who overdosed.
What happens if you give naloxone to someone who doesn’t need it?
NARCAN does not affect someone who has no opioids in their system. It will not hurt or help anyone who is not experiencing an overdose.
Do I need to call 911?
Yes, always call 911 in any case of known or suspected overdose. Overdose symptoms may return after naloxone wears off. Michigan’s Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges against those who seek medical assistance for an overdose in certain circumstances.
How do I store NARCAN? Can I keep it in my car?
Store at room temperature or refrigerate (36°F - 77°F); expiration is 4 years. However, most experts agree storing it in your car year-round is relatively safe and remains effective past expiration.
Should I be worried about fentanyl exposure as a bystander rescuer?
Fentanyl will not absorb into your skin if accidentally touched. It is improbable to be suspended in the air and accidentally inhaled. Fear of exposure should not prevent bystanders from taking immediate action to evaluate, call 911 for help, administer naloxone, and even do CPR. While you should avoid intentionally touching any unidentified powder and then touching your mouth or nose, you do not need to hesitate when trying to save the life of someone who has overdosed.
