Health department warns of increase in ‘fentanyl-related harm’ in Oneida County

It’s difficult for the human brain to comprehend just how quickly a substance no larger than a grain or two of salt can steal a life.

For this reason, among many others, use of the synthetic opioid fentanyl is resulting in harm and/or death to Wisconsin residents, including those living in Oneida County.

In the last 16 months two Oneida County residents have died from what the state crime lab later determined was fentanyl toxicity or mixed drug toxicity involving fentanyl.

Two people are facing reckless homicide/drug delivery charges in connection with the separate overdose deaths — one in April of 2022 and the other in January 2023 — and one person is serving a prison term after pleading guilty to reckless homicide/drug delivery in connection with the April 2022 fatality.

In addition, during a motion hearing held in connection with the April 2022 fatality, it was disclosed that there was a non-fatal overdose in Oneida County involving fentanyl just days before the April 2022 fatality took place. And those are just the cases that have reached public consciousness.

The Oneida County Health Department has taken notice of this trend and is working to raise awareness of the dangers posed by fentanyl.

“The number of fentanyl overdose deaths is on the rise in Wisconsin,” health department officials said in a press release issued late last week. “In fact, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were identified in 73 percent of all drug overdose deaths in the last year. Oneida County is no exception. The county has seen an increase in fentanyl-related harm. Partners of the Community, Outreach, Prevention and Education (COPE) Coalition want to grow community awareness around synthetic opioids. We all can play a role to support healthy communities, support recovery, reduce harm, and prevent deaths.”

“Fentanyl is hard to detect and is much more potent than other opioids,” the release said. “A tiny amount, as little as two grains of salt, is enough to kill someone. It is being made illegally and mixed with other drugs including stimulants like methamphetamine It is also being pressed into counterfeit pills. A person may think they are using one substance, but they are instead using a substance mixed with fentanyl.”

Substance use is a complicated and evolving problem and groups in Oneida County are working on efforts to address the concerns locally, according to the release. 

“Knowing the facts about drugs and how they impact people and communities is the first step toward preventing and reducing substance use harm,” said Mary Rideout, Director of the Department of Social Services. “Talking to your kids and loved ones about substance use helps keep them and our community healthy and safe.”

Below is a brief list of actions individuals can take to be part of the solution and help address this issue.

• Visit the Dose of Reality website to learn more about fentanyl and harm reduction strategies.

• Talk to your loved ones. Real Talks Wisconsin can support you in learning how to have open, honest, and caring conversations about substance use.

•  Look out for changes in loved ones attitudes and behaviors that could indicate a more serious problem. Let them know that you are there for them and help is available.

• Ensure that prevention education addresses counterfeit pills and the risk of fentanyl mixed into drugs that do not come from a pharmacy.

•  Learn the signs of an opioid-related overdose.

• If someone you live with is using substances, keep NARCAN® on hand and learn how to use it.

(NARCAN® is an overdose reversal drug. It is a nasal spray that can be purchased and administered without a prescription. Visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/safer-use.html to find locations in the Northwoods where NARCAN® is available.)

• Safely dispose of unused meds at one of Wisconsin's permanent drug drop boxes. Find a collection site near you: https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/permanent-drug-drop-boxes.htm.

Individuals experiencing substance use concerns often have a hard time asking for help, the release states. 

“Substance use is often not talked about or gets dismissed because of feelings of shame or wrongdoing,” said Jenny Chiamulera, Community Health Specialist at Oneida County Health Department. “This stigma can prevent people from seeking help. The COPE Coalition supports initiatives that build stigma-free environments focused on hope and healing. Substance use disorders are medical conditions that can be managed.”

Visit the Dose of Reality website to learn how to provide support to people you care about before risks develop, and how to get help to those who need it. 

For more information on local initiatives happening in Oneida County, feel free to reach out to Chiamulera, COPE Coalition Coordinator at 715.369.6186 or [email protected].