MARQUETTE — In addition to having Naloxone available at the Marquette County Health Department lobby, the Marquette County Health Department recently partnered with area businesses to provide additional options for community members to obtain free Naloxone. Jim’s Jubilee located in Ishpeming and the Modeltown Express gas station located in downtown Gwinn have collaborated with the MCHD to allow a Naloxone distribution box to be placed at their businesses.

A Naloxone distribution box is made from a refurbished newspaper box that holds doses of intranasal naloxone. Naloxone boxes offer a discrete option for the community to obtain this lifesaving medicine. The boxes are located outside of the businesses and are available to anyone in the community free of charge.

Naloxone is a lifesaving, FDA-approved medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is easy to use, safe and not addictive.

“Community access to Naloxone can help individuals be prepared to respond in an emergency and prevent fatal overdose,” said health educator Emily Pratt in a news release.

These two locations add to a growing list of organizations and businesses who have free Naloxone available. This innovative Naloxone box model was first launched in 2021 by Harm Reduction Michigan, a comprehensive, harm reduction and recovery organization located in lower Michigan.

Questions can be directed to Emily Pratt at 906-315-2630 or epratt@mqtco.org.