Rural communities in Wisconsin step up efforts to combat fentanyl overdoses

(The Center Square) – Rural communities across Wisconsin have been stepping up drug overdose prevention methods over the past year as deaths from fentanyl now make up 91% of opioid overdose deaths, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Marshfield Clinic Health System’s Center for Community Health Advancement distributed NaloxBoxes in 43 locations across rural Wisconsin to increase access to naloxone, a drug that can help reverse fentanyl overdoses. The boxes were allocated to eligible nonprofit organizations on request.

“Every minute is precious when a person overdoses, particularly in rural areas where emergency responders and hospitals are further away,” CCHA Community Health manager Meagan Barnett said Friday. “Placing a NaloxBox in these community centers to make naloxone available can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. Marshfield Clinic Health System recognizes the need to invest in substance use resources in our communities as substance use disorders and overdose deaths continue to increase.”

The CCHA used federal funding from the Health Resources & Services Administration and the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program to install and maintain NaloxBoxes, which cost around $1,100 each.

Barron County in northwest Wisconsin received a total of 23 NaloxBoxes, which were distributed to nonprofits in the Rice Lake Area, Cameron, Turtle Lake, Cumberland and Barron Area School Districts.

Rusk County, also in the northwest, received nine NaloxBoxes, with the School District of Flambeau, Indianhead Community Action Agency Connections Store, Bruce High School, Hawkins Area Library, Indianhead Community Action Agency, Offering Hope Therapies, Inc., Rusk County Lighthouse, North Cedar Academy Boarding School and Ladysmith High School receiving one each.

Dodge County, in southeast Wisconsin, received seven NaloxBoxes, all installed within the Beaver Dam Unified School District.

Portage County in central Wisconsin received four NaloxBoxes, distributed to Evergreen Community Initiatives, the Stevens Point Fire Department, and the Town of Pine Grove.

“Our goal was to provide a resource for communities to foster stigma reducing conversations while providing the public with basic education around harm reduction,” Barnett said. “Everyone deserves a chance to seek recovery, and harm reduction efforts will foster the ability for someone to do that, when they are ready.”