Detroit fights opioid crisis with 25 new Harm Reduction Wellness Stations

Brand-new Harm Reduction Wellness Stations are about to crop up across Detroit. Here’s what each one will provide. 

Detroit is taking a bold new step in combating its opioid crisis with the deployment of innovative Harm Reduction Wellness Stations across the city. These life-saving installations, funded by opioid settlement money, represent a $250,000 investment in public health that aims to prevent fatal overdoses and support community wellness through readily accessible resources.

New wellness stations bring vital resources to high-risk areas

The Detroit Health Department has begun installing 25 specialized stations throughout the city, strategically placing them in neighborhoods with high rates of opioid overdoses and significant foot traffic. These stations provide free access to naloxone (Narcan) kits and other harm reduction supplies, including fentanyl test strips, medication deactivation pouches, and sexual health resources.

“This initiative is a critical step in addressing the opioid crisis. Not only are we helping to save lives, we are also empowering residents to take control of their health and well-being,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo. “We understand the profound impact that high overdose death rates have had on countless families in our community, and the Detroit Health Department is committed to addressing this public health emergency with both urgency and innovation.”

Multiple formats increase accessibility

The program features three different types of distribution points:

• 15 Narcan newspaper stands
• 2 vending machine-style Harm Reduction Wellness Stations
• 2 countertop units

Mayor Duggan emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, “The launch of these Harm Reduction Wellness Stations is a key part of our ongoing efforts to protect communities, reduce overdose deaths, and support recovery. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to tackling the opioid epidemic and minimizing harm in our city.”

Strategic locations across Detroit

The stations are being installed at various high-traffic locations, including:

• Transit centers (Jason Hargrove and Rosa Parks)
• Community service organizations (Capuchin Soup Kitchen, NSO)
• Gas stations and local businesses
• Residential facilities
• Healthcare locations

You can view the list of addresses here.

The program represents part of a broader collaborative effort involving local organizations and agencies dedicated to supporting Detroit residents’ health and safety. These year-round stations will provide continuous access to essential resources and information, serving as a permanent support system for community members in need.

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This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The ‘Gander staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.