The Wayne County Coalition for Addiction and Life Management (CALM) led a collaborative effort to help the homeless reduce overdoses.  In May 2023, CALM assisted the Tommy’s Foundation with receiving 200 Backpacks from WAGES stocked with drinkable water, hygiene kits, collapsible water container, radio, batteries, PPE, hand sanitizer, and flashlights for the purpose of distribution to the homeless community within Wayne County.  
    Recently, CALM received a donation from Eastpointe through Opioid Abatement Funds of 1) Narcan, a medication that helps reverse overdoses; 2) Fentanyl Strips, testing strips that detect fentanyl; and 3) Deterra Medication Disposable Bags, used to safely dispose of unused drugs or medication.
      ”Collaborative efforts maximize the effectiveness of our resources so we donated enough Fentanyl Strip, Fentanyl information brochures, and Deterra Medication Disposable Bag for each backpack to help bring awareness to the dangers of using drugs within one of the most at risk populations of overdosing.”  Machelle Bass stated. “We also supplied and trained The Tommy’s Foundation on Narcan because equipping organizations with Narcan is important.”        United Way offered 211 cards, and Eastpointe included their 24/7 contact information and medication lock boxes purchased with Opioid Abatement Funds.  Wayne County 4-H included insulated coolers and phone chargers. 
    “This all started with WAGES, an organization that empowers our community, looking to get their backpacks into the hands of our homeless population within Wayne County.  CALM is thankful to be a part.” stated Machelle Bass.   The Tommy’s Foundation will distribute the backpacks.