Drug Overdose Alert issued in Racine County after 9 suspected overdoses seen in 1 week

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RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Racine County Public Health Division and City of Racine Public Health Department have issued a Drug Overdose Alert to raise community awareness after a recent increase in suspected overdoses.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, nine suspected opioid drug overdoses were seen at hospital emergency departments between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4.

"If you know somebody who struggles with substance abuse disorder, particularly with opioids, please get Narcan, have it on hand. Make sure that those lifesaving tools are available and help that person seek help if they're ready to do that," said Jeff Langlieb of the Racine County Public Health Department.

The county released a press release Tuesday, with the following tips to help prevent an overdose death:

  • Having Narcan available and telling others where it is stored
  • Using fentanyl test strips to determine the presence of fentanyl in a drug (available for free at the City of Racine Public Health Department (262) 636-9431 and Behavioral Health Services of Racine County: (262) 638-6375)
  • Never using drugs alone
  • Avoiding mixing drugs (i.e., heroin and alcohol)

The county says if you witness an overdose, you should:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Administer Narcan (one dose every 2-3 minutes)
  • Provide rescue breaths and chest compressions (CPR)
  • Keep the person awake and breathing
  • Lie the person on their side (recovery position)
  • Stay with the person until help arrives
  • If the person refuses to get medical assistance after an overdose, it is important to stay with the person for at least four hours because the overdose can resume after the Narcan wears off

"We also want the public to be aware of that if you see somebody go down from a drug overdose, call 911, give Narcan if you have it, assist the person if you can," said Langlieb.

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