MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a public health alert for Milwaukee County on Wednesday after a spike in suspected drug overdose activity. 

Between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3, DHS identified 26 reports of overdoses in hospital emergency rooms, which is higher than normal, according to the department's Facebook post. 

A few days ago, Wisconsin DHS issued a public health advisory for the state, warning about the increased presence of fentanyl. 

"Over the last year, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were identified in 91% of opioid overdose deaths and 73% of all drug overdose deaths. Provisional data shows the number of fentanyl overdose deaths in Wisconsin grew by 97% from 2019 (651) to 2021 (1,280)," officials wrote in a press release. 

Health officials recommended the public take the following steps to prevent overdose deaths:

For parents, guardians and families:

  • Talk to your kids and loved ones about the risk of substance and polysubstance use
  • Look out for changes in kids’ attitudes and behaviors that could indicate a more serious problem
  • If someone you live with is using substances, keep Narcan on hand and learn how to use it
  • Let your loved ones know that you are there for them and help is available

Teachers and educators

  • Ensure that any substance use prevention education addresses counterfeit pills and the risk of fentanyl mixed into drugs that do not come from a pharmacy
  • Keep Narcan in your classroom first aid kit
  • To find where to get Narcan for free, please visit our naloxone directory
  • Ensure that Narcan is available in all campus residence halls, and staff and resident advisors are trained on how to recognize and respond to an overdose

For more tips, click here.

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