The Benefits of Narcan: How to Get Your Free Narcan Kit at LAHC’s Porch Box in Dearborn
The Leaders Advancing & Helping Communities (LAHC) office in Dearborn, Michigan, is offering a much-needed resource for individuals at risk of opioid and fentanyl overdoses.
Narcan kits can also benefit anyone who wants to be prepared in case of an accidental overdose, especially as fentanyl is increasingly found in street drugs.
This small, discreet box between the front doors provides free Narcan (naloxone), fentanyl testing strips, and bilingual Arabic–English informational resources.
The Narcan Porch Box is open to everyone on a walk-in, no-questions-asked basis.
Its goal is to reduce opioid-related harms and accidental overdoses by making Narcan more accessible.
This offering is possible through a partnership with the Wayne County Department of Health, Human, and Veteran Services and the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) at Wayne State University.
For a free Narcan kit, visit the LAHC Narcan Porch Box at 5275 Kenilworth St, Dearborn, MI, 48126, or contact the Wayne County Department of Health for more information.
What does Narcan do?
Narcan is the brand name for a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
When someone overdoses on opioids—such as heroin, prescription pain relievers, or fentanyl—their breathing can slow or even stop. This is where Narcan comes in.
By binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, Narcan quickly knocks the opioids off those receptors and helps restore normal breathing.
An opioid overdose can be fatal in just minutes, so having Narcan accessible can mean the difference between life and death. The quicker it’s administered, the higher the chance of survival.
Is naloxone the same as Narcan?
Yes—naloxone is the active ingredient that reverses opioid overdoses, while Narcan is a specific brand name for that medication.
Most Narcan is available as a simple nasal spray designed for easy use in emergencies, whether administered to an unconscious person or used on oneself.
How many times can Narcan be given?
In some situations, multiple doses of Narcan may be necessary to fully reverse an overdose, especially if potent opioids like fentanyl are involved.
Each dose can work for a limited duration (often 30 to 90 minutes). If the person still shows signs of overdose—such as difficulty breathing or extreme drowsiness—additional doses can be given.
There is no strict limit to how often Narcan can be administered if you follow the instructions provided with each dose.
Importantly, always call 911 or seek medical help as soon as possible.
Narcan is not a substitute for professional medical care. A person who experiences an overdose could be at risk of slipping back into a life-threatening state once the initial dose wears off.
How much does Narcan cost?
In many states and counties, Narcan can often be obtained for free or at a low cost through health departments, community organizations, and local pharmacies.
At the LAHC building, the Narcan Porch Box offers it at no cost.
This no-fee, no-questions-asked approach reflects the importance of getting naloxone into as many hands as possible.
If you can’t make it to Dearborn or prefer another route, check with nearby pharmacies, insurance providers, or even local libraries or universities.
Fentanyl testing strips: Another essential tool
Fentanyl testing strips are an essential tool in reducing accidental overdoses.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, has been increasingly found in street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills.
Even a tiny amount can be fatal, especially for someone with no opioid tolerance. It only takes one bad batch for a recreational drug user to ingest fentanyl and suffer a deadly overdose unknowingly.
This is exactly what’s happening across the U.S., where fentanyl-related deaths have skyrocketed. In 2021 alone, over 70,000 overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Public health experts widely recommend fentanyl testing strips as a harm reduction tool, enabling users to check substances before using them.
The goal isn’t to condone drug use but to save lives by preventing unsuspecting users from consuming lethal doses.
Fentanyl test strips are included in the Narcan Porch Box provided by LAHC.
How to spot an early overdose and stay safe using Narcan spray
Recognizing an overdose early can save lives—whether it’s happening to someone else or yourself.
Common signs include slow or shallow breathing, unresponsiveness, blue lips or fingernails, and choking or gurgling sounds.
- If you notice these symptoms in someone else, call 911 immediately and administer Narcan if available.
- If you feel these symptoms, administer Narcan to yourself and try to get help quickly by alerting someone nearby or calling emergency services.
Safety tips for helping others or yourself during an overdose:
- During CPR, use a barrier, such as a face shield, to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids.
- Administer Narcan first if someone has blue lips, then wait for it to take effect before attempting rescue breathing.
- Avoid handling needles or unknown substances near the person to protect yourself from accidental exposure.
- If you suspect you’re overdosing, try to stay calm, lie down in a safe position, and call 911 if you’re able.
Remember: There’s no harm in taking Narcan if you suspect you or a friend is overdosing—it’s safe to use and won’t cause any adverse effects if opioids aren’t present.
Learn more: Learn about LAHC’s Substance Abuse Prevention Programs
The many benefits of Narcan spray
Narcan saves lives—plain and simple. It’s a nasal spray that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose, usually within just a few minutes.
That means if someone’s breathing has slowed or stopped, Narcan can help restore it long enough to get them proper medical care. The effects last around 30-90 minutes, giving emergency responders time to step in.
The most significant benefit of Narcan is that it’s easy to use; just follow directions to administer the nasal spray to yourself or a friend.
Here’s something important: Narcan is completely harmless if opioids aren’t in your system.
If you’re unsure whether you or a friend is overdosing, it’s always better to use it—there’s no downside.
Best of all, Narcan is free at places such as LAHC’s Narcan Porch Box in Dearborn. It’s available without judgment, with no questions asked, so you can have it on hand for peace of mind.
Accessing the Narcan Porch Box at LAHC
Finding the Narcan Porch Box at LAHC is straightforward. Simply visit 5275 Kenilworth St, Dearborn, MI 48126.
You’ll see a small box stocked with Narcan, fentanyl testing strips, and bilingual resources between the front doors.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Wayne County Department of Health, Human, and Veteran Services and the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) at Wayne State University.
It’s a walk-in service, so you don’t need to worry about scheduling or answering invasive questions. Take whatever you need and use it immediately if you’re already facing an emergency—or keep it on hand for future situations.