WISCONSIN — Fentanyl test strips and Narcan will be available at more locations around Wisconsin as the Wisconsin Department of Health Services continues its fight against the opioid epidemic.

DHS announced Thursday that it has awarded grants to 15 county, municipal, nonprofit and tribal nation agencies to circulate more of the life-saving tools that reverse opioid overdoses.

What You Need To Know

  • Fentanyl test strips and Narcan will be available at more locations around Wisconsin

  • DHS announced Thursday that it has awarded grants to 15 county, municipal, nonprofit and tribal nation agencies to circulate more of the life-saving tools that reverse opioid overdoses

  • In 2021, there were 1,427 deaths related to opioids in Wisconsin

  • Those needing support can call 211 for information on community services for substance use treatment and recovery

In 2021, there were 1,427 deaths related to opioids in Wisconsin, according to the DHS. There were already 85 opioid-related deaths in January of this year, surpassing the monthly average of 74 deaths. Over the years, deaths have continued to increase, rising by 46.7% between 2018 and 2020.

The new DHS grants are just one step toward tackling the epidemic.

“By funding these vending machines, we are fulfilling our commitment to reducing the harms of drug use, promoting wellness, and supporting recovery for our most vulnerable communities,” said DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. “This is about making fentanyl test strips and NARCAN accessible to the people who need it the most, where they’re already at, on their schedule and their timeline, with no questions asked.”

All organizations were invited to apply for a part of the $1 million in funding designated for the DHS program through the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. The 15 selected agencies have until the end of September to start implementing their plans.

Selected agencies include:

  • Addiction Resource Council 
  • Bayfield County Health Department
  • Forest County Potawatomi 
  • Green County Human Services Department 
  • Janesville Community Center 
  • HealthNet of Rock County 
  • Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse 
  • Madison Street Medicine 
  • Milwaukee Community Resources & Empowerment Services 
  • Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
  • Milwaukee Turners 
  • Monroe County Health Department 
  • Taylor County Health Department
  • Tellurian Behavioral Health 
  • Village of Brown Deer

The new grants follow a previously announced $2 million grant program, Wisconsin’s share of the National Prescription Opiate Litigation, that funded vending machines for 26 agencies.

Recipients in both of the programs can use funds to stock vending machines with other supplies, such as medication lock bags/boxes, sterile syringes, CPR breathing masks and items promoting safer sex.

DHS also offers free fentanyl test strips and Narcan via mail and through different community organizations.

The state health organization also has several programs, such as Real Talks Wisconsin, Dose of Reality, and Small Talks, which address substance abuse.

Those needing support can call 211 for information on community services for substance use treatment and recovery. Dialing 988 will also connect you to someone to talk to in times of emotional stress. People struggling with substance can also call the Never Use Alone phone number at 800-484-3731.

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