MADISON, Wis. — Dane County health officials have issued a public alert due to a spike in drug overdoses.
Within the last 24 hours, there were five confirmed overdose response calls from EMS, according to Public Health Madison & Dane County.
Public health officials say this is more overdose activity than usual in the community, and currently it’s unknown what is driving the increase.
“It is possible that the make-up of street drugs in our community changed and could include a different mixture of opiates, fentanyl, or other synthetic drugs,” according to the public alert.
First responders, healthcare providers, and people who use drugs and their families should be aware of the increased risk of overdose.
If you use drugs or know someone who does:
- Know the signs of an overdose:
- Pale, sweaty or clammy skin
- Lips/fingertips turn blue
- Slow or irregular breathing: gasping, gurgling, or snoring
- Difficult or unable to wake
- Always call 911 if you think someone is overdosing
- Don’t use street drugs alone; call Never Use Alone at 800-484-3731
- Check in with your friends/family who use drugs
- Test all drugs for fentanyl before using
- Carry Narcan® (naloxone) and be prepared to use multiple doses when needed
- Get safer use supplies, like fentanyl test strips and Narcan®, from the Syringe Services Program at Public Health Madison & Dane County: 2705 E. Washington Ave. or 2300 S. Park St. in Madison
- Contact the Behavioral Health Resource Center of Dane County for treatment and recovery resources: (608) 267-2244
- Share this alert with others
