Madison: Overdose Spike Alert: Risk of Drug Overdose Increased in Dane County
Wisconsin Eagle/10232694

~ Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued a public health alert due to an alarming increase in drug overdoses in the community. Data from hospitals and EMS providers show that over the past two days, paramedics responded to nine incidents involving overdosing patients who needed Narcan, with two of them resulting in fatalities.

The cause of this spike is unknown, but it is possible that the make-up of street drugs in the area has changed and could include a different mixture of opiates, fentanyl, or other synthetic drugs. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway commented on the situation saying "When we talk about overdose trends and statistics, it's important to remember that every number represents a life. It represents someone's brother, friend, daughter, or neighbor. It represents someone who urgently needs to know this information."

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Dane County Executive Joe Parisi also weighed in on the issue saying "We are seeing more and more of our neighbors struggle with addiction. These alerts demonstrate a continued commitment to reducing the number of preventable deaths due to drug-involved overdoses in our community."

First responders, healthcare providers, and people who use drugs and their families should be aware of the increased risk of overdose in our community and take necessary precautions. Signs of an overdose include pale or clammy skin, lips/fingertips turning blue, slow or irregular breathing (gasping, gurgling or snoring), difficulty waking up or being unable to wake up at all. If you suspect someone is overdosing call 911 immediately. Other safety measures include never using street drugs alone; testing all drugs for fentanyl before using; carrying Narcan® (naloxone); getting safer use supplies from Public Health Madison & Dane County; contacting the Behavioral Health Resource Center for treatment and recovery resources; and sharing this alert with others.

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