Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Narcan is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose (Courtesy, Cherry Health)

By WKTV Staff

Cherry Health recently installed new Narcan vending machines at two of its Grand Rapids locations. These Narcan vending machines provide expanded 24-hour access to free opioid overdose reversal kits.

Narcan vending machine (Courtesy, Cherry Health)

The newest vending machines are located at Cherry Health’s Southside Health Center (2303 Kalamazoo Ave. SE) and Westside Health Center (669 Stocking Ave. NW).

A $20,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBS) made purchase of these Narcan vending machines possible.

What is Narcan?

Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental deaths and has led to a decrease in life expectancy nationwide. Naloxone/Narcan is a nasal spray drug that restores breathing by blocking opioids’ effects on the brain. It has no potential for abuse.

24-hour access to Narcan could potentially save lives (Courtesy, Cherry Health)

“Narcan is a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose,” said Cherry Health Chief Behavioral Health Officer Bob Smith. “With the support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we are able to expand Narcan access throughout West Michigan and potentially save more lives by providing safe and effective overdose reversal medication in the communities we serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Jeff Connolly, Senior Vice President and President of West Michigan and Upper Peninsula BCBS of Michigan recognizes that there is a stigma often associated with substance abuse disorders. “People may be reluctant to seek treatment due to the potential judgment or disapproval of those around them. That’s why programs such as these are critical in equipping people with the life-saving tools they need while navigating a long-term treatment option.

“We’re proud to be part of this live-saving initiative and shifting the stigma toward more positive recovery solutions.”

Four locations: Narcan vending machines

Cherry Health now has four Narcan vending machines in West Michigan. All locations are listed below:

Heart of the City Health Center, 100 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids

Cherry Health Southside Health Center, 2303 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids

Cherry Health Westside Health Center, 669 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids

Montcalm Health Center, 1003 N Lafayette St, Greenville

Mike DeWitt

Mike.Dewitt@wktv.org

Metro Health Hospital is home to some of the best maternity care and hip and knee replacements in the country. Recently, Metro Health received Blue Distinction Center status, a national designation program from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), for their exceptional treatment.

“The Blue Distinction Center designation lets our members know where they can go in Michigan to receive high-quality care that meets robust clinical standards,” said David Share, MD, MPH, and senior vice president at Blue Cross.

As a first time winner, Metro earned the award based on a number of measurements from BCBSM. BCBSM hands out the awards based on a combination of publicly available data and information it compiles from its subscribers’ medical claims. The examined data includes clinical measures, patient outcomes, and the cost of care. Patient satisfaction scores and patients’ willingness to recommend the hospital are also taken into account.

“Awards such as these from BCBSM are meaningful to the hospital for multiple reasons,” said PR Director Ellen Bristol in and email with WKTV News. “They confirm our teams are providing quality care to patients and they boost morale and a sense of pride among employees and physicians.”

Both award distinctions from BCBSM carried different criteria. The Spartan Stores Family Childbirth Center at Metro Health excelled in areas of early elective delivery and for maintaining programs that promote successful breastfeeding as well as requirements for cost efficiency.

Knee and hip replacements are the fastest growing medical treatments in the country, the BCBSM distinction recognizes Metro as a leader in safe and high-quality specialty hip and knee care.

“The recognition helps patients be confident in the organization and the people who are caring for them,” said Bristol. “Plus, they confirm to physicians that the hospital can provide their patients with the high quality care they want for their patients”

With an annual patient count of over 250,000 across West Michigan, a little recognition is just a reminder of the great work they do every day.