Official says Knowing this Number: 800-241-4949 …
…could save a life
Michigan health officials say the number of drug overdoses related to opioid use in the state jumped by almost 20% during the course of one year. Nearly 1700 of those deaths involved opioids like heroin.
Officials say the use of opioids in Michigan and across the country is increasing at an alarming rate.
Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority CEO, Tom Watkins, says a new video and crisis line are available to help people learn how to access treatment. He says he hopes people memorizing the new 800 number will become as well known as 1-800-Call Sam; the local law firm that widely advertises it’s number.
“Anytime you have an opportunity to let the citizens of Michigan know if you call 800-241-4949 anytime of the day or night, help is on the other end of that line. And people that are seeking substance abuse treatment, our commitment is to get them into treatment within 24 hours of that call”
-Tom Watkins
Watkins says officials are also providing first responders and others access to the life-saving drug Naloxone, which is used to treat overdoses from narcotics. Watkins says over 60 lives have been save in recent months because of Naloxone training provided by the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority.
