Save A Life with a Spray

  • Printer-friendly version
Save a Life with a Spray

Get free naloxone and learn how to use it to reverse an opioid overdose.

Our Drug Epidemic Affects Us All

Download our current Narcan training schedule and registration form

Overdoses in Wisconsin have more than tripled in the last 8 years, and are now  a leading cause of injury death, killing more people than car crashes. Rates of drug-related death, injury, and hospitalization are higher in Sauk County compared to state averages.  Opioid use is frequent in our area: we have a high rate of prescription painkiller use, and illegal drugs like heroin are available on our streets.  About 90% of Sauk County's drug overdose deaths are due to opioids-- mostly prescription painkillers, but also heroin and fentanyl.

In the face of this drug epidemic, we all need to learn how to respond in an opioid emergency. Naloxone (Narcan), given as a nasal spray, can safely and legally reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save a life.  Our free trainings are for everyone-- concerned family members and friends, first responders, professionals, and community members.  You don't need to know someone who is on opioids to attend-- you may unexpectedly come across someone who needs your help. Community members using naloxone in a suspected opioid overdose emergency are  covered by the Wisconsin Good Samaritan Law. 

 

What are Opioids? 

You may be surprised to learn that overdoses from prescription painkillers are much more common than overdoses from heroin.  Overdoses can occur from any opioid and in any form (e.g., pill, powder, tab, snorting, smoking, or injecting).  Street drugs like meth and heroin may be laced with dangerous synthetic opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil, making overdose more likely.

Opioids include:  

  • Vicodin 
  • Hydrocodone
  • Percocet
  • Oxycontin
  • ​Dilaudid
  • Morphine
  • Tylenol with codeine
  • Tylenol #3
  • Fentanyl
  • Oxymorphone
  • Demerol
  • Methadone
  • Suboxone
  • ​Heroin
  • Carfentanil

​

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose. In an overdose, opioids can cause difficulty breathing, sedation, and death. Naloxone is an medication that reverses these effects. 

Naloxone (Narcan) only works if opioids are present in the body. It does not work on other drugs or alcohol. Narcan Nasal Spray takes effect in 2 to 3 minutes and lasts 20 to 60 minutes. 

 

Free! Save A Life with a Spray Naloxone Trainings:

  • Free 45-Minute Training
  • Pre-registration is required so that you can receive  Narcan Nasal Spray at the training.  To register:
  • Receive a free Narcan nasal spray kit after completion of the training
  • Get unlimited refills after completing the training once
  • Must be 18 years or older to attend the trainings

 

Concerned about someone's drug use?  

For 24/7 help for addiction, call 608-402-4312. 

 

 

 

This activity is 100% financed by federal funds via the Wisconsin Prescription Drug/ Opioid Overdose-Related Death Prevention Project (WI-PDO, SAMHSA grant) administered by WI DHS.