GRAND Mental Health, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative and Tulsa Fire Department Team Up to Fight Opioid Overdoses in High-Risk Tulsa Neighborhoods

Press Contacts

Ron Brady
GRAND Director PR/Marketing
918-600-5790
rbrady@grandmh.com

Catherine Divis
Account Supervisor – Schnake Turbo Frank
918-645-0629
catherine@schnake.com

TULSA, Okla. (Oct. 25, 2023) – GRAND Mental Health, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative and the Tulsa Fire Department are working together to install free naloxone (Narcan®) distribution boxes at fire stations #5 (102 E. 18^th St.), #10 (508 E. Pine St), #17 (1351 N. Sheridan Rd) and #22 (1303 E. 15^th St.) areas known to have a higher risk of deaths associated with opioid overdose. 

“Placing these boxes in the areas that need them most breaks down barriers. We strategically selected these locations to ensure immediate access to this lifesaving medication.” Says Larry Smith, Chief Executive Officer, GRAND Mental Health.”

These boxes are part of a larger overdose prevention strategy by GRAND Mental Health, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative and other community partners as part of the Tulsa Methamphetamine Treatment Continuum. This effort aims to increase treatment and overdose prevention for people who use methamphetamine, including those who use both methamphetamine and opioids. These partners envision and work toward a future where there are zero overdoses in Tulsa – easy, anonymous access to lifesaving supplies provided by these boxes is a crucial step toward that goal.

“Minutes or even seconds can make the difference between life and death during an overdose. These naloxone boxes make it possible for anyone to help in a crisis. Having these resources on hand to stabilize someone until medical professionals arrive can save lives,” says Michael Baker, Tulsa Fire Department Chief.

The boxes will be installed outside the four stations allowing anyone access at any time. They are weather-proof and will be anchored to the ground. The boxes will be supplied with naloxone, fentanyl test strips and education pamphlets.

Healthy Minds Policy Initiative and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services were instrumental in this effort. “I am grateful we can all work together to make Oklahoma healthier,” states Smith. 

Installation began the week of Oct. 23, 2023, and the boxes will be operational immediately thereafter.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, GRAND Mental Health can help. For more information visit our website: grandmh.com or call our 24/7 crisis hotline 1-800-722-3611.

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Photo cutline L-R: Emily McPherson from the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, Justin Lemery and Chief Michael Baker from the Tulsa Fire Department, and Jeff Harlin and Kimberly Hill-Crowell from GRAND Mental Health stand together at Fire Station # 5 for the first installment of the naloxone (Narcan®) distribution boxes.