U-M, Zingerman's workers to be trained on how to prevent overdose deaths
In a pilot program aimed at familiarizing more people with medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, the University of Michigan is to begin training workers at the award-winning Ann Arbor-based Zingerman's on how to use Narcan.
It is the first time U-M's Opioid Research Institute and Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, which is trying to battle the overdose epidemic by offering best practice guidelines on prescribing opioids, have partnered with a restaurant.
Zingerman's Community of Businesses has 11 food-related businesses in Washtenaw County, including its deli, bakehouse, creamery and more.
Later this month, Zingerman's volunteers will receive training on how to use naloxone (brand name: Narcan), which can reverse an opioid overdose if given correctly and in a timely manner. Those who are trained will in turn train other Zingerman's employees who want to participate in the program.
"Ensuring our communities have access to lifesaving measures in times of crises is paramount when discussing effective strategies to address the opioid epidemic," Gina Dahlem, U-M clinical associate professor of nursing, said in a prepared statement.
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"By partnering with Zingerman's and other community-based organizations, we can equip and train community laypeople to respond to opioid overdoses even before first responders arrive. The sooner we are able to restore a person's breathing, the better likelihood of survival with less complications."
Added Patrick McIntyre, a member of Zingerman's Safety Committee: "As an organization, Zingerman's believes each person is a creative, unique individual who can do great things in life and that business is a way to do good in the world. ... In the midst of a national and local overdose epidemic having naloxone available can make the difference between somebody having that opportunity to do great things and not."
In 2022, more than 109,000 people, a new national record, died from drug overdoses, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of those deaths involved opioids, specifically the ultra-potent synthetic opioid fentanyl.
In Michigan, overdose deaths declined almost 4% in 2022, but still accounted for almost 3,000 deaths.
Arming the public with naloxone is one of the strategies being used to reduce the number of overdose deaths. It's available free throughout Michigan through these organizations.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: U-M, Zingerman's team up to prevent overdose deaths
