This article discusses substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can call the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline at 211 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

MADISON, Wis. — Dane County health leaders issued a public warning Thursday after seeing an overdose spike in the county.

What You Need To Know

  • Since Tuesday, at least 10 people received treatment at local hospitals for suspected opioid overdoses

  • First responders treated seven other people who reported unusual symptoms after using crack cocaine

  • Leaders are looking into the possibility that drugs being sold in the area might include a new synthetic drug called medetomidine

  • Medetomidine is a powerful animal tranquilizer

Since Tuesday, at least 10 people received treatment at local hospitals for suspected opioid overdoses. First responders treated seven other people who reported unusual symptoms after using crack cocaine.

Michelle Fox and Marquis Phiffer are part of the peer services team at Safe Communities of Madison and Dane County. They work directly with people addicted to drugs and those in recovery.

They offer supply kits containing life-saving supplies such as fentanyl test strips and naloxone. They each work with around 30 people at a time.

“We have peers and providers that are available to speak with you if you're in trouble or just need information as well too,” Phiffer said.

They said they are passionate about trying to save lives, but they also admitted it’s daunting work, as the illicit drug market is always advancing.

“The game's changing; drugs are getting more dangerous,” Phiffer said. “It’s hard to kind of pull people out of the hole they’re already in.”

Tracking the local drug supply in order to prevent overdoses is park of the work Jake Niesen does as a public health coordinator with Public Health Madison and Dane County.

“It's always changing and it's really hard to predict what will be here tomorrow,” he said.

Niesen is also looking into the possibility that drugs being sold in the area might include a new synthetic drug showing up in other Midwest cities. It’s called medetomidine, a powerful animal tranquilizer. It cannot be detected with fentanyl test strips.

“Folks are trying to like test their drugs for fentanyl, and they have only fentanyl test strips, for example,” Niesen said. “That's not going to be that helpful.”

That’s why Fox and Phiffer tell everyone to carry naloxone. They said if you find anyone who appears to be unresponsive due to a possible overdose, take action as soon as possible.

“Call 9-1-1 and administer the naloxone,” Fox said. “We would suggest administering every two minutes if not earlier.”

If you’re seeking help with addiction or recovery, you can call Safe Communities 24/7 at (608) 228-1278.

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