BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - The Calhoun County Public Health Department has issued a series of recommendations after a "mass drug overdose event" occurred at a private residence in Battle Creek on November 23. According to official reports, at least 10 individuals were found unresponsive with decreased breathing, prompting an emergency response.

Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in connection with the incident. However, seven individuals were evaluated in an emergency department, and the health department credited the use of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, along with rescue breathing, for saving lives.

Authorities believe that those involved intended to use cocaine, unaware that an opioid, such as fentanyl, may have also been present, leading to an opioid overdose. This incident was reminiscent of a series of deadly overdoses that occurred in Kalamazoo County in April.

The situation in Battle Creek was further complicated by the presence of alcohol, according to the health department. As a result, the Calhoun County Public Health Department has released a set of recommendations to minimize the risk of overdose for individuals who use drugs:

1. Understand that co-using substances, particularly alcohol, increases the risk of overdose.
2. Be conscious that unknown substances may be present in drugs.
3. Keep naloxone on hand in case an opioid is present in drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
4. Proceed with caution, avoid using drugs alone, and designate a person who is alert and able to help in the event of an overdose.
5. Recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, like decreased or no breathing, blue skin or lips, small eye pupils or an inability to wake up.
6. Respond to an opioid overdose by assessing the affected person's breathing, providing rescue breathing, and administering naloxone. Rescue breathing is crucial if the individual is experiencing decreased or no breathing.

Furthermore, officials reminded the public that Michigan's Good Samaritan law protects individuals seeking medical assistance for an overdose from drug possession charges.

The Battle Creek health department, located at 190 E. Michigan Ave., has made free naloxone and overdose response kits available to the public. Numerous other distribution centers can be found throughout Calhoun County, and a complete list of these locations can be accessed online.

The Calhoun County Public Health Department hopes that by following these recommendations, individuals will be better equipped to prevent and respond to drug overdoses, ultimately fostering a safer community for all residents.