Detroit Health Department Launches Harm Reduction Wellness Stations to save lives, help residents protect themselves
- Initiative funded by proceeds from opioid settlement funds and will offer Narcan and fentanyl test strips to prevent fatal opioid overdoses
- 25 stations being deployed in areas of the city with highest risk indicators
The Detroit Health Department has officially launched new Harm Reduction Wellness Stations across the city, a new initiative aimed at saving lives and addressing the opioid overdose crisis that continues to impact the city of Detroit. The City is installing 25 stations that are designed to provide residents with free access to life-saving naloxone kits (Narcan) and other harm reduction supplies, tailored to each location. These may include fentanyl test strips, medication deactivation pouches, condoms, Plan B, and oral contraceptives.
Harm reduction aims to minimize the negative health impacts of the overdose crisis through tools like naloxone, a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, and fentanyl test strips that can indicate whether drugs contain fentanyl, a very potent opioid. Some stations will also contain supplies that reduce the transmission of HIV/STIs, a health issue correlated with the overdose crisis, and to support sexual health.
As part of this effort, the Harm Reduction Wellness Stations have been strategically positioned throughout the city – focusing on neighborhoods with hotspots of opioid overdoses and sites with high foot traffic – to ensure that individuals at risk of an opioid overdose can easily access these vital resources.
“This initiative is a critical step in addressing the opioid crisis. Not only are we helping to save lives, we are also empowering residents to take control of their health and well-being,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo. “We understand the profound impact that high overdose death rates have had on countless families in our community, and the Detroit Health Department is committed to addressing this public health emergency with both urgency and innovation.”
The stations are now available in high-traffic areas across Detroit in the form of vending machines, newspaper stands and countertop units.
These resources will help increase accessibility to life-saving interventions and protect the health of individuals at risk. To further enhance the program's reach, the Detroit Health Department is in the process of installing 25 stations across the city. So far, 15 Narcan newspaper stands, 2 Harm Reduction Wellness Stations in the form of vending machines, and 2 countertop units have already been deployed.
The Harm Reduction Wellness Stations are available year-round, ensuring consistent access to essential resources and information for Detroit residents. These stations will remain a continuous support system for the community.
“The launch of these Harm Reduction Wellness Stations is a key part of our ongoing efforts to protect communities, reduce overdose deaths, and support recovery,” said Mayor Duggan. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to tackling the opioid epidemic and minimizing harm in our city.”
Locations of currently installed Harm Reduction Wellness Stations
Vending Machines
Jason Hargrove Transit Center
1121 W. Eight Mile Rd.
Detroit, MI 48220
Rosa Parks Transit Center
1310 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
Newsstands
6 & J Gas & More (Citgo Gas Station)
1 E. McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48203
Adi Coney Island
6171 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48210
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
1264 Meldrum St., Detroit, MI 48207
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
4390 Conner St., Detroit, MI 48215
Eastside Community Network
4401 Conner St., Detroit, MI 48215
First Step Market
10644 Morang Ave., Detroit, MI 48224
On the River Apartment
8330 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214
Restorations Towers
16651 Lahser Rd., Apt. 304, Detroit, MI 48219
Mike's Petroleum (Citgo)
13033 E. Seven Mile (Joann), Detroit, MI 48205
NSO
882 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI 48238
Marathon Gas Station
16540 Woodward (Boardline HP) (Food Mart), Detroit, MI 48203
Matrix Human Services
13560 E. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48205
Sunoco Gas Station
10000 Plymouth Rd., Detroit, MI 48204
Motor City Liquor
2313 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207
La Renaissance Motel
18850 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48203
Countertops
Cabana Motel
12291 Harper Ave., Detroit, MI 48213
Careland Pharmacy and Medical Supply
11919 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48214
The Harm Reduction Wellness Stations initiative is part of a larger collaborative effort, involving local organizations and agencies dedicated to supporting the health and safety of Detroit residents. The first phase of installations is supported by $250,000 in funding from opioid settlement funds and reflects the Detroit Health Department’s ongoing commitment to address public health challenges, such as the prevention of overdose deaths and the reduction of the spread of infectious diseases. By providing accessible harm reduction resources, the program aims to enhance the health and safety of the community, offering a critical lifeline to those in need.