This Packet Could Save a Life: Opioid Overdose Resource Gets Update
Fentanyl, a powerful opioid, is now the leading cause of death among Wisconsin residents ages 25-54. It only takes a small amount to cause an overdose, and many people who overdose do not even know they are taking it. Knowing how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose can truly save a life.
To help community members stay informed and prepared, the resource This Packet Could Save a Life: What to Do After an Overdose has been thoroughly updated. Originally created by partners in Eau Claire County, the packet gives residents clear, practical information on overdose response, prevention, and local support services.
What’s Inside the Updated Packet
The packet helps community members:
Recognize and respond to an overdose
Understand what to do immediately after an overdose
Learn how naloxone (Narcan) can save a life
Get basic information about opioids
Find treatment options in the Chippewa Valley
Connect with additional support and recovery resources
Since its launch in 2021, about 4,000 copies of the original packet have been distributed by the Eau Claire City-County Health Department and community partners. By keeping the packet current, the Health Department aims to ensure people can easily access reliable local information whether they are looking for sharps disposal locations or how to connect with peer recovery services.
More Resources to Support the Community
The Health Department also manages Eau Claire County Opioid Dashboards, which offer up-to-date data on opioid use in Wisconsin, the impacts on the Eau Claire County region, and ongoing prevention and harm-reduction strategies.
Organizations can also request the “What Do You Know About Opioids?” workshop, a companion presentation that covers:
Overview of opioids
Opioid use in Eau Claire County
Safe medication storage and disposal
Signs of an opioid overdose
How to use Narcan nasal spray
Information on fentanyl and fentanyl test strips
Access the Packet
A digital version of This Packet Could Save a Life: What to Do After an Overdose can be downloaded using the link below and can also be found on the Eau Claire Health Alliance resource page.
Organizations interested in physical copies or hosting a “What Do You Know About Opioids?” workshop can contact Sarah Dillivan-Pospisil at Sarah.DillivanPospisil@eauclairecounty.gov.