Overdose Spike Alert: Risk of Drug Overdose Increased in Dane County
Public Health Madison & Dane County is issuing a public health alert due to an increase, or spike, in drug overdoses in our community. This alert is based on data from hospitals and EMS providers.
On July 8, 2024, there were 6 suspected overdose cases, including two deaths. This is more overdoses than we usually see in our community. In the past week, we have also seen an increase in reports of drowsiness and sleepiness for people using meth and crack cocaine. Because these symptoms aren’t common for these drugs, it is possible there is something else in the drug supply causing these reactions.
First responders, healthcare providers, and people who use drugs and their families should be aware of the increased risk of overdose in our community. Sign up to get email or text alerts about overdose spikes at publichealthmdc.com/spikealerts.
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 (877) 696-1996
- 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
