Where to get help with addiction in the Oshkosh area as International Overdose Awareness Day nears
OSHKOSH – A little more than a month after a new report found fentanyl was the primary cause of death in 24 of 37 overdose deaths in Winnebago County in 2022, the Winnebago County Health Department and the community are readying for International Overdose Awareness Day.
The day is observed Aug. 31 each year and aims to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths and remember those who have lost their lives to overdose.
Ahead of the observance, the Health Department highlighted services it offers to help prevent substance use, reduce harm, increase access to treatment and prevent overdose. Among those resources, it said in its August "Public Health Happenings" email, are counseling, testing and referrals (or CTR); substance use treatment referrals; Narcan; fentanyl and xylazine test strips; and a “safe, non-judgmental, client-centered environment.”
Narcan (or naloxone, a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose), LifePoint (a syringe services program) and fentanyl test strips are available for free at the department’s Oshkosh location, 112 Otter Ave., second floor, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
Among other resources in the community:
Breakwater: Breakwater Substance Use Coalition was formerly the Winnebago County Drug and Alcohol Coalition. It offers resources to help prevent and reduce substance abuse. The group can be reached by calling 920-232-3308, emailing info@breakwaterwi.org or going to breakwaterwi.org.
‘We Heart You’ cards: Breakwater and the Health Department also help facilitate distribution of “We Heart You” cards, which are the size of a standard business card and have a simple message: “We care about you, and we want you to get the help you need, when you are ready.” The cards were designed by local emergency response to connect people with help. They can be shared with anyone impacted by substance use, including those with substance use issues and their family members. People can get “We Heart You” cards by calling 920-232-3000.
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Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review Team has identified themes and set priorities for the coming year. Here's what to know.
Winnebago County was one of six counties in the state chosen in 2018 to receive funding, training and support to develop a drug overdose fatality review program.
The program consists of a county-wide partnerships across sectors that bring together inter-agency data-sharing and practitioner expertise to review fatal drug overdoses.
The program seeks to identify strategies for prevention and intervention that address the problem of drug use and overdose in Winnebago County.
About the Overdose Fatality Review Team: With overdose deaths at record high, Winnebago County agencies search for answers
The group’s 2022-2023 annual report identified six common themes among 2022 overdose deaths in the county and set three priorities for the coming year.
These are the six themes it identified:
Minors left behind as a result of overdose death lack support and access to vital services for children and families who experience trauma.
Most victims who died of an overdose had a history of mental health disorders and did not receive the treatment services needed.
A strong recovery community is critical to reduce the reoccurrence of use and counteract the shame and stigma many people experience.
Touchpoints with prison or jail systems shortly before death were common. Increasing recovery services, peer support and transitional services would boost support upon release.
Most victims died without Narcan and without anyone nearby. Mitigating potential dangers through harm reduction is vital.
Many victims felt isolated and unsupported.
These are the three priorities it set for the coming year:
Close gaps in communication between systems to strengthen the continuum of care.
Identify children falling between gaps and connecting them with care.
Focus on preventive efforts.
Struggling with addiction? Here are some more resources.
According to the Winnebago County Health Department, substance overdose is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including family members and others in the community.
"It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender or social status," the department said. "It is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. Raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of overdose and promoting access to life-saving resources is key to preventing overdoses."
Here are some more resources for those struggling with addiction:
Contact local recovery community organization Solutions Recovery, 621 Evans St., Oshkosh, by calling its 24/7 Peer Response Hotline at 866-465-0010 or stopping by its facility.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline (free and available 24/7) by calling 211 or 833-944-4673. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211 to get connected with local resources.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline (free, confidential and available 24/7) can be contacted by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
An online treatment locator can be found at findtreatment.gov.
Connect with Alcoholics Anonymous by calling 800-839-1686.
Connect with Narcotics Anonymous Wisconsin Region by calling 866-635-2254.
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “Hopeline” to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
Winnebago County residents can also dispose of unwanted medication at any of the four permanent drug drop sites at police departments in Fox Crossing, Menasha, Neenah and Oshkosh. The Health Department provides support for these drug drop boxes through promotion of all sites and participation in periodic drug sorts at the Oshkosh Police Department.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Oshkosh overdose deaths: Where to go for help with drug addiction
