EMU Today

YPSILANTI — In response to the alarming statistics linking the opioid crisis to the rising rate of homelessness, Eastern Michigan University graduate student Sara Crisenbery is leading an initiative to address these intertwined epidemics in Ypsilanti.

Crisenbery, who dreamt of becoming a medical doctor, noticed the devastating effects of opioid use while working in health care. “I would see homeless people come in (the hospital), and nothing was being done. They weren't getting shelter. They were coming back the next week as overdose patients, and by the following week, they could potentially be dead.” Disturbed by the recurring pattern of homeless individuals returning as overdose patients, she was motivated to make a difference.

Crisenbery is now leading a project titled "CARE: Creating Awareness, Rescuing Lives: Educating the Homeless on Naloxone." The project aims to educate the homeless population on how to use Naloxone as a harm-reduction approach and to create an environment where individuals feel that they have the self-efficacy and confidence to be active bystanders in the event of an opioid crisis. Crisenbery regularly meets one-on-one with homeless individuals to educate them about opioids, the warning signs when someone is in trouble, and the Good Samaritan Law. She travels to places like homeless shelters and warming centers with care bags containing items such as a hat, scarf, gloves, hygiene products, foil blankets, a box of Naloxone, and more to compensate each individual for their time. 

“This approach allows for a more personalized conversation where individuals feel comfortable sharing their misconceptions about Naloxone and ask questions,” said Crisenbery. “I’m happy if I get through six bags daily because each conversation is a solid hour. I want to hear their side of the story like I'm a friend, not a teacher.”

Ultimately, Crisenbery would like to report on her findings at an upcoming American Public Health Association Conference and continue to raise awareness because she feels both issues aren’t touched on enough.

“Ideally, I’d like to reduce the number of opioid users and raise awareness so people can be active lifesavers,” said Crisenbery. “That's why I've been educating and writing down these misconceptions to address them further.”

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.