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Spike in Kenosha County overdose deaths
The Kenosha County Medical Examiner's Office is warning the public about the dangers of illegal drug use. This after nine overdoses in a recent 12-day period.
KENOSHA, Wis. - The Kenosha County Medical Examiner's Office is warning the public about the dangers of illegal drug use. This after nine overdoses in a recent 12-day period – including three on Saturday, Dec. 30.
"It’s alarming. It’s not uncommon unfortunately," said Lori Plahmer, Kenosha County Public Health Director. "Sometimes there’s a bad dose, sometimes it’s unlucky, or the time period, the holiday period."
Lori Plahmer
The Kenosha County Medical Examiner Office said the deceased individuals have ranged in age from late 20s to mid 50s -- and the deaths have occurred in various locations in the City of Kenosha and west of Interstate 94.
"We don’t know yet specifics, but we do know there was a variety of illegal drugs that were involved in this," Plahmer said.
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A variety of substances including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and counterfeit prescription pills are suspected in the deaths. The exact cause of each death will not be known until toxicology results become available, which often takes months.
"It’s folks that are struggling for all different reasons," Plahmer said.
Training on Narcan
In 2023, Plahmer said her department trained thousands of people how to administer Narcan. This year, she said they will be installing two Narcan vending machines with fentanyl testing strips somewhere in Kenosha County
"It’s a collective effort in the community," Plahmer said.
Plahmer said the biggest hurdle is stigma – and officials will continue to fight it.
"It has to stay out, we have to offer all services and we have to get over the stigma," Plahmer said.
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People who are seeking help for themselves or for a loved one struggling with substance use are encouraged to contact the Kenosha County Behavioral Health Resource Center at 262-764-8555. More information about the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition and its work is available online.
Resources
- Narcan, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, is available at no cost from Kenosha County Public Health. More information about this program is available online or by calling 262-605-6741, or by sending an email to narcan@kenoshacounty.org.
- Fentanyl test strips are also available from Kenosha County Public Health and are offered to people who receive Narcan. The strips can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in other substances. Strips may be picked up from 8:30 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Kenosha County Public Health Job Center Clinic, 8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha. For more information, call 262-605-6775. They are also available from Vivent Health-Kenosha which may be reached online or by calling 262-657-6644.
- The Kenosha County Behavioral Health Resource Center, which links people with substance use disorder resources, may be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 262-764-8555. More details, including a Kenosha County Behavioral Health Community Resources Guide, are available online.
- The Kenosha County Crisis Hotline, operated by Kenosha Human Development Services, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 262-657-7188.