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Overdose Prevention Education

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The City of Milwaukee Office of African American Affairs offers health literacy education community level prevention education classes and trainings on Fentanyl Awareness and Overdose Intervention. For more information or to schedule a class call 414-286-0222.

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Saturday August 31, 2024 is National Overdose Awareness Day

Overdose Deaths and the Black Community in The United States:

In Milwaukee County fatal overdoses among Black people increased by 52% between 2020 and 2021, this the highest rate of increase of any racial group. These preventable fatal overdoses are happening for people of all ages including family members, friends, teachers, neighbors. But they don't have to.

You can save lives and stop drug overdose by:
 

  • Knowing the signs of an overdose:
    • Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils”
    • Falling asleep or losing consciousness
    • Slow, weak, or no breathing
    • Choking or gurgling sounds
    • Limp body
    • Cold and/or clammy skin
    • Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)
  • Using naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is safe and easy to use and works almost immediately.
  • Using fentanyl test strips to detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs.
  • Having regular conversations with teens, young people, and loved ones about the dangers of fentanyl, the risks of mixing drugs, and the life-saving power of naloxone to reduce the stigma around seeking help, treatment, and care​.
  • Sharing treatment resources, like the 24/7 National Helpline— 800-662-HELP (4357).

Naloxone / Narcan How to use NARCAN

Naloxone works by rapidly reversing the effects of an opioid overdose, including respiratory  depression. It’s available as an injectable or as a nasal spray, also known by the brand-name Narcan. Naloxone is safe (it’s not psychoactive), effective (it’s specifically designed to reverse an opioid overdose), and easy to use.

In Milwaukee Naloxone is often available for free from harm reduction programs, many community -based organizations, and other agencies.

Where can people access Naloxone and get more information?

  • Office of African American Affairs
  • Samad’s House
  • 16th Street Community Health Center
  • Vivant Health Inc.
  • Milwaukee Health Department

Mail-based harm reduction services can send naloxone to individuals free of charge.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is an approach to drug use that places the health and dignity of people who use drugs as the first priority of any response. Harm reduction can take many forms, from interventions such as Naloxone or sterile syringes, to health services like medications or counseling, to supportive services such as housing and supervised consumption spaces.

Additional resources: 

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