It’s been going on for a few weeks now, but Public Health just issued this alert.
Here’s the alert:
Public Health Madison & Dane County is issuing a public health alert due to an increase, or spike, in suspected drug overdose activity in our community. The alert is based on ambulance and hospital data that shows more than double the number of drug-involved overdoses than what we usually see daily in our community.
“The primary mission of Public Health as a whole is to protect the health and wellbeing of all people, including those who use drugs,” said Julia Olsen, Public Health Supervisor. “The faster we can get this information to people who use drugs and their families, the better chance we have at saving lives.”
The Overdose Spike Alert system launched in late 2021. The program established an estimate of the expected or “normal” number of suspected drug-involved overdose cases per day in Dane County. Public Health staff monitor hospital, police, and ambulance data daily to identify unexpected increase, or spikes, and send out the alert as soon as possible.
The alert system has now expanded to allow subscribers to choose to get alerts sent directly to their phone through a text message, in addition to the email option.
“We don’t always know exactly what is driving up a spike in overdoses, it could be that the make-up of drugs in our community changed, or that Fentanyl or other substances are being mixed in,” said Olsen. “When it is available, the alert will include information about what’s causing the increase so people can be as safe as possible”
This notice should serve as a notice to recognize the signs of an overdose, always call 911 if you suspect someone is overdosing, avoid using street drugs alone , carry Narcan PDF , and get safer supplies through the Public Health Syringe Services Program.
“All lives have value. So, if we can empower just one person through these alerts to actions that keep themselves and others safe and alive, we have fulfilled our mission,” said Olsen.
Sign up to receive future Overdose Spike Alerts at publichealthmdc.com/SpikeAlerts. There you can find additional resources, including information about treatment and recovery options and a brochure and poster to display in an effort to help share this information more widely with community members.
Here’s what people are supposed to do according to Public Health:
Steps for safer drug use PDF :
- Test all drugs for fentanyl PDF before using
- Carry Narcan® (naloxone) and be prepared to use multiple doses when necessary PDF
- Get safer use supplies, including fentanyl test strips and Narcan® from our Syringe Services Program : 2705 E. Washington Ave. or 2300 S. Park St. in Madison. You can also ask a pharmacist for Narcan®.
- Avoid using street drugs alone; call Never Use Alone at 800-484-3731
- Recognize 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 suspect someone is overdosing
- Check in with your friends/family who use drugs when there is an overdose spike in our area
- Contact the Behavioral Health Resource Center of Dane County for treatment and recovery resources: (608) 267-2244
And here’s some additional resources:
Resources & Handouts for Service Providers:
- Overdose Education & Narcan Distribution Training: Contact us to schedule for your agency or organization.
- Overdose Spike Alert Poster PDF : Help us spread the word about current overdose spike alerts! Please print and post when an alert is issued.
- Stop Overdose! Brochure PDF – Includes major risks for an overdose, tips on how to stay safe and prevent an overdose, and lists local resources.
- Overdose Education and Narcan® Brochure PDF – Information about risk factors for an overdose, recognizing an overdose, and providing help during an overdose (including how to use Narcan®)
- We Can All Save a Life – Narcan® training video
