cellphones

New app seeks to reduce opioid abuse, overdoses

cellphones

A new app has been launched by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to help prevent drug overdoses. Angie Smith Butterwick is a substance abuse manager for the department who tells us the OpiRescue app helps anyone, including first responders, prevent opioid misuse and reduce opioid overdose deaths by addressing education, prevention, and tracking of overdose reversals.

“At any given point in the state, you can open it up and it will populate all the treatment providers around you,” Smith Butterwick said. “In the resources list, there’s additional treatment provider information as well as locations where you can get Naloxone outside of the pharmacy based dispersal, and there’s information in the app on how to perform a rescue.”

Butterwick says those who have a loved one with an opioid addiction could have the app to be prepared. It will guide them to local treatment resources and also help them get free naloxone, the anti-overdose nasal spray. OpiRescue is now available on both Android and iOS platforms.

ADVERTISEMENT
Your content continues below