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Benzie County Deputies Carry Drug To Help Overdose Victims

Deputies in Benzie County might be the first officers in Michigan to carry a potentially life-saving drug for overdose victims.

The drug Noloxone, also called Narcan, can help victims of certain prescription drug overdoses and heroin overdoses. But it has to be administered quickly.

“Time is of the essence in an overdose,” says County Sheriff Ted Schendel. “Often times law enforcement is there first.

“It’s basically a nasal spray. We can spray it directly into the nose and reverse the effects and bring people from death’s door.”

The move comes after four overdose deaths in the past year and a half, in a county of 18,000 people.

A regional narcotics team has reported a rise in prescription drug abuse in the area – and a corresponding rise in heroin, which is cheaper and gives a similar high.