BRRR! It’s officially winter in Michigan, and wiht the chilly temperatures, health officials have an important reminder about your Narcan nasal spray.
The team at District Health Department #10 wants to make sure you know that freezing temperatures can render your Narcan ineffective.
Luckily, It’s not a lost cause! If your Narcan does freeze, don’t panic. It can be thawed out and will be perfectly safe to use after sitting at room temperature for about 15 minutes.Though,remember,seconds count in an overdose emergency. If you’re facing such a situation, call 911 immediately – don’t wait for your Narcan to thaw.
“ Our network of outdoor Narcan Distribution Boxes puts life-saving medication within easy reach of our communities,” saeid DHD#10 Health Officer Kevin hughes.” But with winter weather, there’s a chance the Narcan might freeze. To be prepared, store your Narcan nasal spray in a warm spot to ensure its readiness in case of an opioid overdose. “
When grabbing Narcan from one of these outdoor boxes, be smart and take a couple of doses. This provides a backup in case one freezes, allowing you to be fully prepared for an emergency.
To locate the nearest Narcan distribution box, simply check out the map on the DHD#10 website.
What is the best way to store Narcan during winter to maintain its effectiveness?
interview: Ensuring Yoru Narcan Stays Effective This Winter
Editor: Winter is officially upon us here in Michigan, and with that comes a critical reminder regarding Narcan nasal spray. Today, we have Kevin Hughes, Health Officer at District Health Department #10, to discuss the impacts of cold temperatures on Narcan effectiveness and what individuals can do to prepare.Kevin, thank you for joining us.
Kevin Hughes: thank you for having me. It’s crucial we spread awareness on this topic, especially during the winter months.
Editor: Let’s get right to it. What happens to Narcan when it’s exposed to freezing temperatures?
Kevin Hughes: Good question! Narcan nasal spray can actually become ineffective if it freezes. This is a major concern during the chilly winter months when temperatures can drop significantly.
Editor: If someone’s Narcan has frozen, what shoudl they do?
Kevin Hughes: If your Narcan does freeze, there’s no need to panic. You can simply thaw it out by leaving it at room temperature for about 15 minutes. However, it’s significant to emphasize that in an overdose situation, every second counts—call 911 immediately instead of waiting for the narcan to thaw.
Editor: That’s really critically important advice. What about the availability of Narcan? How can individuals access it, especially in the winter?
Kevin Hughes: We have distributed outdoor Narcan boxes across our communities to make this life-saving medication easily accessible. Though, with the risk of freezing, we recommend storing Narcan in a warm spot. It’s also wise to take a couple of doses when grabbing narcan from one of these boxes. This way, if one dose freezes, you have a backup ready to go.
Editor: That’s helpful! Is there a way for people to find the nearest Narcan distribution box?
Kevin Hughes: Absolutely! You can visit the District Health department #10 website, where there’s a map available that shows all the Narcan distribution locations. This ensures you’re never far from help when you need it.
Editor: As we discuss the implications of colder weather on opioid overdose preparedness, what broader insights can you share regarding public health and opioid use?
Kevin Hughes: The opioid crisis continues to be a significant concern for public health. During winter, the potential for overdoses can increase due to various factors, including isolation or substance use patterns changing with the seasons. By ensuring Narcan is readily available and not compromised by the weather, we equip our communities with vital resources to combat these challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Kevin. Before we wrap up, do you have any final advice for our readers?
Kevin Hughes: Yes, I want to reiterate the importance of being proactive. check your Narcan regularly, ensure it hasn’t frozen, and keep it in a safe, warm place.Together, we can work towards reducing the impact of the opioid crisis in our communities.
Editor: Thank you again for your insights, Kevin, and for the important work you’re doing to keep Michigan safe this winter.
Kevin Hughes: Thank you for spreading the message. Stay warm and stay safe out there!