Saline, Michigan – July 23, 2025 – In response to the growing opioid crisis and rising overdose deaths, First Presbyterian Church of Saline, in collaboration with Home of New Vision, and the Saline Police Department is proud to announce the installation of a Naloxone Distribution Box at 143 East Michigan Avenue. This initiative aims to provide free, life-saving naloxone—commonly known as Narcan—to individuals at risk of opioid overdose and their loved ones, ensuring 24/7 access to this critical medication. According to recent data, this issue is increasingly relevant for senior citizens who might forget they have already taken their prescribed medication and ingest a second dose by accident.  

According to the latest data from the CDC, opioid-related overdose deaths have reached alarming levels. In 2024, 80,391 people in the United States lost their lives due to opioid overdoses. Naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, has been proven to save lives when administered in time. However, access remains a barrier for many individuals in need. 

"Our goal is to make naloxone as accessible as possible," said Pastor Kimberly Secrist Ashby. "By providing a discreet and easily accessible pick-up box, we are empowering community members to take action in preventing overdose deaths and saving lives." 

The Naloxone Distribution Box is stocked with free naloxone kits and instructions on how to use them. No identification or prescription is required, ensuring that anyone who needs it can obtain it without fear or stigma.

Marlene Radzik, City of Saline Chief of Police, stated, "I am passionate about “meeting people where they are at” and reducing the stigma around mental health and substance use disorder." Chief Radzik continued, "When I met with Pastor Kimberly to discuss obstacles the Police Department faces in our community, I shared a story about the challenges surrounding the search for an appropriate location to make Naloxone (commonly known as Narcan) kits available to individuals in our community. Pastor Kimberly and her congregation were more than happy to offer this space."

Chief Radzik went on to say, "During my career in Police Services, I have witnessed people die from an overdose. Seconds matter when one is suffering an opioid overdose, and we now have the tools to reverse an opioid overdose. This is what harm reduction looks like!”

The First Presbyterian Church of Saline encourages residents to educate themselves about opioid overdose symptoms and how to administer naloxone.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the opioid epidemic through harm reduction, education, and community support. 

 

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About First Presbyterian Church of Saline 

First Presbyterian Church of Saline is a congregation that seeks to make God’s story our story by joyfully growing in faith and serving in love. Our vision is grounded in our sure faith that God is at work in this congregation and in our world. We are a community that seeks to be relevant, relatable, and inclusive so everyone can experience God’s love and know they belong. In all things- worship, study, fellowship and mission outreach, we seek to be more intentional and focused on spiritual formation and practice. Welcoming, accepting, and affirming all – YOU are welcome to be a part of the journey and the story.

About Home of New Vision

Home of New Vision has been providing hope for recovery to the people we serve for over 20 years. We inspire the confidence and courage needed to change and explore their own unique pathway to recovery. Our experience teaches us that change is possible, that treatment works, and that recovery does happen! People with substance use disorder face far too many barriers to recovery; we help break them down. Focusing on the whole-person, we provide not only treatment, but a full spectrum of support and resources to help navigate the journey to recovery.

About Saline Police Department

The Saline Police Department serves residents of the city with law enforcement and other services 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Your Police Department is proud to offer complete policing services, including traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, commercial and residential property watch, youth and intervention programs.