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Battle Creek, MI - The Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) is providing an update and further recommendations following a public health investigation of multiple drug overdoses reported on November 23, 2023.
On Nov. 23, multiple emergency medical services (EMS), fire, and public safety agencies responded to a mass drug overdose event at a single, private residence in the City of Battle Creek. After 911 was called, at least 10 individuals were found unresponsive with decreased breathing. Timely emergency medical response and administration of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, along with rescue breathing, saved lives. Seven individuals were evaluated in an emergency department. No deaths occurred.
The CCPHD suspects that individuals intending to use cocaine were unaware of the likely co-presence of an opioid, such as fentanyl, leading to opioid overdose. Individuals who do not usually use an opioid or are unaware of the presence of an opioid, such as fentanyl, are more likely to suffer an overdose. Co-use of alcohol appears to have also complicated overdose presentations. The incident is reminiscent of a similar overdose event that included fatalities at multiple locations in neighboring Kalamazoo County in April 2023, where individuals intending to use cocaine suffered a fentanyl overdose. Given these findings, CCPHD is communicating awareness and precautions for people who use drugs (PWUD).
Recommendations:
While the best way to avoid overdose is to not use drugs, CCPHD issues the following recommendations to the public to reduce risk of overdose and death:
Education for People Who Use Drugs (PWUD):
- PWUD should be aware of the potential presence of unknown substances in their preferred drugs which increases the risk of overdose and death.
- Do not use alone, go slow and have a designated person who is alert and available to identify an overdose, give naloxone, provide rescue breathing and call 911.
- Signs of an opioid overdose might include decreased or no breathing, blue skin or lips, small eye pupils or inability to wake up.
Opioid Overdose Response:
- Opioid overdose response should include breathing assessment and rescue breathing, in addition to giving naloxone. When a person has decreased or no breathing, rescue breathing is essential to an opioid overdose response.
- Persons who primarily use cocaine or methamphetamine should also have naloxone available in case fentanyl or an opioid is also unknowingly present.
Good Samaritan Law:
- Michigan’s Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges for those seeking medical assistance for overdose.
Substance Use Risk Reduction:
- Co-using substances, including alcohol, increases the risk of overdose.
- Using fentanyl test strips might reduce the risk of opioid overdose.
In its commitment to protecting the public’s health, CCPHD urges community members to follow these recommendations to prevent future incidents and reduce the risk of disability and death. Free naloxone and overdose response kits along with education can be obtained at Calhoun County Public Health Department, at 190 E. Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49014. Harm reduction and overdose prevention services at CCPHD can be accessed by calling 269-986-7562.
A list of free naloxone and overdose prevention distribution center locations throughout Calhoun County are listed below. For additional resources, please visit www.drugfreebc.org/narcan.
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