FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Fond du Lac County health officials are launching a new effort to combat the opioid crisis.
The county health department and Fond du Lac Fire Rescue announced the start of its “Narcan Leave-Behind Program” Tuesday.
Through the program, Fond du Lac paramedics will distribute Narcan, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, to community members after a suspected overdose. With this new effort, officials are hopeful to prevent overdoses, particularly for those most at risk.
Fond du Lac has been experiencing a community drug issue for years, with the majority of the overdose deaths being attributed to opioids. Opioid-related overdose deaths have been on a steady incline in the county.
Fond du Lac and neighboring counties have also been offering free Narcan trainings to the community so that anyone will feel confident helping someone in a crisis.
Through the training, people learn how and when to administer Narcan. The when is simple; because Narcan does not have any negative side effects, even to those not actually experiencing an overdose, if someone suspects a possible overdose, they are encouraged to administer the drug.
To request Narcan training, call the Fond du Lac County Health Department at (920) 929-3085.
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