Free Narcan dispenser in Waukesha seeks to stop the rise of opioid overdoses

Waukesha residents can now get free Narcan kits at a vending machine in the Alano Club.

The machine has dispensed about 200 kits since opening in June, and Addiction Resource Council Inc. specialist Jessica Brost said the more Narcan that is out in the county, the better.

“Every dose that is taken as a success in our eyes. We think it should be accessible and free to get Narcan,” Brost said. “Everybody should have it, so that's why it's there.”

The vending machine is an effort to curb rising opioid overdoses in the county. The county has seen a spike in drug-related overdoses in the past three years, going from 56 in 2019 to 92 in 2021.

The Alano Club, which hosts 12-step programs for drug and alcohol users, hosts the vending machine in the lobby at 318 W. Broadway, Waukesha. The machine dispenses free kits with instructions and two doses of Narcan, for community members to administer in case of an opioid overdose.

Symptoms of an opioid overdose can include shallow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, small pupils, unresponsiveness or unconsciousness, cold or clammy skin and snoring or gurgling sounds, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

If someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, Narcan may temporarily reverse the effects, but it is still encouraged to seek medical attention.

Waukesha’s Department of Health and Human Services financed the Narcan, and the Addiction Resource Council installed and maintains the vending machine.

John Kettler, integrated services coordinator for Waukesha County Health and Human Services, said the spikes in overdoses were partly driven by the increase in fentanyl availability. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, and Kettler said it is particularly dangerous, as even small doses can trigger an overdose.

“Right now, fentanyl is being found in all kinds of different substances, including fake pills,” Kettler said.

Brost said the Addiction Resource CounciI distributes free fentanyl testing strips at their location in Pewaukee for people to apply to pills or substances in order to stay safe.

Naloxone, colloquially known as Narcan, can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Brost said the side effects of Narcan are minimal or nonexistent, and it cannot be overdosed on. Each kit comes with instructions and a QR code that links to video instructions.

Narcan has reversed 305 overdoses in the last five years in Waukesha County, Kettler said.

The Addiction Resource Council will restock it as needed. Each kit is valid for about three years before expiration.

Kettler said they placed the vending machine at the Alano Club to be accessible to current and former opioid users.

“Most folks going to the Alamo Club would be in recovery … They may still know some folks who are actively using,” Kettler said. “So it is a targeted attempt to try to get a better penetration to the using community, those who are still struggling, to get [Narcan] out to them.”

Lydia Morrell can be reached at 320-444-2339 or lmorrell@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @lydia_morrell. 

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Free Narcan dispenser in Waukesha seeks to curb opioid overdoses