Wisconsin Overdose Deaths From Fentanyl Up 97 Percent, Officials Warn

WISCONSIN — Amid a recent increase in overdose deaths in Wisconsin caused by fentanyl, state health officials are encouraging everyone to take action to save lives.

In 2021, 73 percent of all drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin were linked to synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl, according to the Department of Health Services. Health officials say fentanyl is strong — up to 50 times stronger than heroin — and might be added to pills, other opioids, methamphetamines, cocaine and other drugs. But there are ways to prevent further death and reduce the harm from opioids, the DHS said in a news release, and everyone should know them.

“As we continue our work to promote mental health, reduce harm, and increase support for those struggling with substance use disorders, we can't ignore the greater risks people face by not knowing what is included in the drugs they are taking,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake in the news release. “This is a public health crisis, and it’s necessary to sound the alarm to prevent unnecessary deaths.”

One way to prevent further death is to check drugs with fentanyl test strips. Anyone who wants the strips can order them through the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline online or by calling 211. Another way is for people who use opioids to carry the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, commonly known as NARCAN, which can be acquired without a prescription across Wisconsin.

“Fentanyl is very strong, and it doesn’t take a lot to cause an overdose. Plus, the amount of fentanyl in drugs is completely random, even in the same supply”, said Dr. Jasmine Zapata in the release, the chief medical officer in the DHS Bureau of Community Health Promotion. “We encourage people who use substances to get fentanyl test strips and use them to know if the drug they intend to use is laced with the substance.”

The warnings from DHS come amid a spike in fentanyl overdose deaths in recent years. Between 2019 and 2021, deaths from fentanyl overdose grew by 97 percent, the DHS said.

In August, Waukesha County launched new initiatives to combat fentanyl, declaring the drug a health crisis. The county plans on using settlement money to support training for naloxone, among other initiatives.

Other communities have launched community naloxone training, such as in Oak Creek or in Greenfield. The plans to combat opioid overdoses also come as settlements are being reached with the companies that produced many of the opioids.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice and other states recently agreed to a settlement with opioid-maker Teva for $4.25 billion. The company was accused of deceptive marketing, the DOJ said.

SEE ALSO: Opioid Maker Agrees To $4.2B Settlement With WI And Other States: DOJ