Overdose Spike Alert: Risk of Drug Overdose Increased in Dane County
On July 15, Public Health Madison & Dane County issued 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. Within 24 hours, July 13 to July 14, there were five confirmed overdose response calls from EMS. This is more overdose activity than we usually see in our community.
Currently, it is unknown what is driving this spike. It is possible that the make-up of street drugs in our community changed and could include a different mixture of opiates, fentanyl, or other synthetic drugs.
“Drug use during the summer months can also increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke and dehydration. This is because certain types of drugs raise core body temperature and interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature,” said Public Health Supervisor Julia Olsen.
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 on Public Health’s webpage.
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 800-484-3731
- 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
