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MSP Reminding People Of Resources After Increase In Overdoses

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Michigan State Police are reminding people about their available resources after data shows a dramatic increase in drug overdoses.

“We saw a 13 percent increase in overdose fatalities state-wide,” said MSP Lt. Derrick Caroll. “Even more alarming, we saw a 48 percent increase of fatalities in Northern Michigan, 19 counties in the lower peninsula.”

MSP wants to remind people about the Good Smartian Law that was passed in 2016.

“If you, or someone you know, is having a drug overdose you’re exempt from certain criminal liabilities, if you report that,” said Lt. Carroll.

Some of the counties with the most drug overdoses are Grand Traverse, Manistee and Wexford.

“We also have the people who are not wanting, or at this point, ready in their lives to seek treatment for addiction,” said Lt. Carroll. “In that case, if they’re having a drug overdose or someone in their family sees them having an overdose, or if you’re at a party and you see someone having an overdose, please call 911.”

Experts say heroin and fentanyl are the most common drugs when it comes to overdoses.

“There’s a lot more fentanyl in our drug supply than there was,” said Derrick Smith, of Harm Reduction Michigan. “It’s been rapid. Fentanyl is an opioid, many times stronger than heroin, and it has adulterated drugs across the board.”

Troopers say naloxone is also available, a medication that reverses opioid and overdoses.

“We don’t want anyone to hesitate to call 9-11, because in a drug overdose, time is of the essence,” said Lt. Carroll.

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