WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Winnebago County is reporting an increase in overdose deaths for the second year in a row.
According to the county’s annual overdose fatality review, 41 people died in the county due to drug overdose in 2021. This is an 11% increase compared to 2020.
Fentanyl is still the leading cause of overdose deaths. It was listed as the primary cause of death in almost 70% of the deaths.
The majority of these deaths occurred among people between the ages of 25 and 44.
People who have been released from jail are at a higher risk of overdose, says the report. It attributes isolation, stigma and barriers to treatment as likely contributors to this increased risk.
The county says deaths related to non-opiate substances, such as methamphetamine and alcohol, are also rising.
Looking to next year, the Overdose Fatality Review team plans to prioritize improving access to treatment, increasing support from medical providers, improving responses to changes in drug trends and preventing early substance use by supporting children.
The team has previously provided free fentanyl test strips, offered training at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and increased access to Narcan (medicine used to treat narcotic overdose in emergencies).
The Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review Annual Report compiled information from June 2021 to July 2022.
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