RECENT SPIKE IN SUSPECTED OPIOID OVERDOSES IN SAUK COUNTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     January 15, 2020

Contact:      Sara Jesse, Community Health Strategist

                    (608) 355-4308

RECENT SPIKE IN SUSPECTED OPIOID OVERDOSES IN SAUK COUNTY

In the past month, there has been an increase in the number of non-fatal opioid overdose cases presenting at Sauk County emergency rooms. According to an alert issued on 1.13.2020 by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Sauk County hospitals have treated 6 non-fatal opioid overdoses since December 8, 2019.  “So many overdoses in a short period of time often indicate that illegal drugs being sold in our area are very strong and are more likely to cause an overdose,” says Sara Jesse, Community Health Strategist and Narcan trainer at the Sauk County Health Department.

Opioid overdoses can be caused by prescription painkillers as well as illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Heroin cut with fentanyl is currently the most common cause of opioid overdose in our area, according to Jesse. Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more powerful than heroin. In addition to heroin, fentanyl may also lace other illegal drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine, and cause overdose. Deaths from prescription painkillers, once the leading cause of opioid overdose in Sauk County, have plateaued in recent years, but still remain high, says Jesse.

To prevent overdose deaths, the Health Department urges residents to get trained in recognizing and responding to suspected overdoses. Signs of opioid overdose include trouble breathing, snoring or gurgling sounds, and being unresponsive. Bystanders can help save lives by calling 911 and providing naloxone and/or rescue breathing, and CPR if needed.

Naloxone, the active ingredient in Narcan Nasal Spray, is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives. Sauk County residents can get naloxone at local pharmacies without a prescription, or at free trainings around the county hosted by the Health Department. The training schedule is available at www.NarcanSavesLives.org. “Everyone should carry Narcan,” says Jesse. “You never know when you might come across someone experiencing an opioid overdose. The free Narcan Nasal Spray we provide is easy to use, safe and effective.”

Treatment for opioid addiction is also available.  Sauk County residents can call 608-402-4312 to be connected to services. Jesse focuses on hope, “People can and do recover from opioid use disorder.”