As reported by the Detroit Fire Department, the City of Detroit will launch the Detroit Quick Response Team (QRT) on September 16th, 2024, to assist opioid overdose survivors.
The QRT will follow up with individuals treated for opioid overdoses by the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) and offer assistance in accessing substance use disorder treatment and other support services.
The goal is to connect survivors with long-term care, helping to reduce overdose fatalities.
Detroit’s opioid crisis resulted in the deaths of 430 residents in 2023, which represents over 15% of Michigan’s opioid deaths.
To address this, the QRT, funded by opioid settlement dollars, will offer services such as harm reduction, housing, and employment assistance.
The DFD, having administered naloxone 2,400 times last year, will now notify the QRT to follow up on cases.
The QRT will act swiftly following an overdose incident.
When a DFD unit responds to a suspected overdose, patients will be informed that a follow-up visit will be conducted by a team of individuals who have personal experience with substance use disorders.
If the patient refuses transport to a hospital, the QRT will arrive within 1-3 hours. If the patient accepts hospital transport, the team will follow up within 2-4 days.
This follow-up aims to assess the survivor’s needs and help them access resources like substance use treatment, housing services, or harm reduction.
The Detroit Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms expressed hope in the program, saying: “Our members are looking forward to seeing the results of the Quick Response Team, as our community will surely be more resilient.”
The QRT will receive referrals from DFD and various community partners, such as homelessness outreach teams funded by the Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department.
The initiative allows Detroit residents and organizations to refer individuals they believe are at risk for opioid overdose.
Referrals can be made via a form through Face Addiction Now (FAN) or by calling the Hope Line for support.
Face Addiction Now will operate the Detroit QRT under a two-year contract worth $1.7 million.
FAN is a nonprofit that has operated 17 Quick Response Teams across Michigan. The Detroit team will be the first to provide 24/7 coverage.
FAN’s Director of Operations, Dunya Kilano, said: “The Detroit Quick Response Team will be staffed by Detroiters with lived experience… We aim to reduce the risk of overdose deaths and connect individuals to vital services.”
Detroit will use $48 million in settlement funds from national opioid litigation to support its ongoing response to the opioid crisis.
This funding will be spread over 18 years and will enable the expansion of programs such as naloxone distribution, substance use prevention education, and recovery housing for those in treatment.
The Detroit Health Department, through its Behavioral Health Program, is focused on destigmatizing substance use disorder and offering comprehensive support.
The department’s Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo, stated: “The Opioid Quick Response Team is a giant step forward, delivering help where and when it is most needed.”
Detroit aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths and improve access to resources that promote long-term recovery.
The City of Detroit will launch its Quick Response Team (QRT) on September 16th, 2024, to aid opioid overdose survivors.
This team will follow up with individuals treated by the Detroit Fire Department and help connect them to treatment and other services.
Funded by opioid settlement dollars, the QRT aims to reduce overdose deaths and provide resources for long-term recovery.
Community partners, including Face Addiction Now, will assist in providing 24/7 support.
The initiative builds on the city’s broader efforts, supported by $48 million in settlement funds, to reverse overdoses and enhance recovery options.
