RACINE, Wis. — Racine County Public Health and the City of Racine Public Health Department issued a public health alert, as there has been an increase in suspected opioid overdoses in Racine County.
Amanda Busack, public health strategist with Racine County Public Health, said there have been 90 suspected opioid overdoses in Racine County so far in 2023. In 2022, there were 86 cases total, meaning the county has already surpassed all of 2022.
Health leaders in Racine County issued these safety steps that can help prevent an overdose death, such as using Narcan, using fentanyl test strips and not mixing drugs.
Free Narcan and Fentanyl test strips are available at the City of Racine Public Health Department and Behavioral Health Services of Racine County.
In an effort to spread awareness about opioid deaths, Racine County launched a fentanyl awareness campaign. The campaign includes billboards and video messages.
“We have the 30 second clip from the CDC that has been put out on Hulu for all of Racine County, it is also running on Spotify, social media and gas station TVs. If you’ve been to Quick Trip recently, you’ve probably seen it,” said Busack.
Busack is urging people to be proactive.
“Be aware that it is out there across our communities and state. There are available resources out there even if it doesn’t affect you directly there are fentanyl testing strips for free and are available,” said Busack.
The problem isn’t limited to Racine. Alerts about rising overdoses have been issued around the state.
Public Health Madison and Dane County recently issued a public health alert due to an increase in drug overdoses. Leaders in Dane County stressing overdose deaths can be preventable and asking the public to be aware of the signs of an overdose.
More Fentanyl is being found in drugs, Busack said, which could be causing the spike in opioid overdoses.
“Particularly, pressed pills and counterfeit pills, we are seeing it a lot. Also, Fentanyl mixed with cocaine, so that is a little bit behind the why here in Racine County and across Wisconsin,” said Busack.
Find free resources in Racine County, here. More resources around the state can be found, here.