Waukesha Overdose Aid Kit boxes available to community partners
WAUKESHA, Wis. - You could soon go to your favorite tavern or bar in Waukesha County for a beer – and leave with a box of Narcan.
Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow announced on Tuesday, May 9 that Waukesha County is partnering with businesses, organizations, and municipalities to address the fentanyl crisis by making Overdose Aid Kit (OAK) boxes available for partners who are willing to host them.
Waukesha County Overdose Aid Kit (OAK)
Farrow said each kit has three boxes of Narcan, and things like gloves and instructions.
Business owners are asked to monitor supplies, and ask the county for more if they run out. County officials hope the kits will save lives.
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"We’ve even come out here when it’s 30° in January," said Dave Matthews.
Matthews and his wife know the trails at Fox River Park in Waukesha by heart. But even though they walk past the park's office three or four times a week, they never knew what was inside until now.
Waukesha County Overdose Aid Kit (OAK)
"You just never know – especially close to the school and stuff like that. It’s a good idea," Matthews said.
It's an OAK box on the wall. It stands for Overdose Aid Kit. It includes Narcan and fentanyl testing strips for public use.
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Farrow plans to distribute at least 200 of them by the end of the year.
"It is getting it out into the bars, to the areas that are the impact point," Farrow said.
Farrow is using opioid settlement funds to pay for them. Waukesha County is offering the kits to any businesses or organizations that want them. One of the first partners to join is the City of Oconomowoc.
"We are not immune to this crisis," said Bob Magnus, Oconomowoc Mayor.
Investigators say synthetic opioids – mainly fentanyl – were identified in 87% of overdose deaths in Waukesha County in 2022.
Jessica Geschke's brother battled addiction for decades and overdosed in her living room in 2018. She said he was saved by Narcan.
"I don’t believe it’s enabling anyone. The only thing it enables is breathing – so that person can find recovery," Geschke said.
Jessica Geschke
Geschke said her brother has been in recovery for five years now. She helped create the kits. Geschke plans to bring OAK boxes to school next – with a message that recovery is possible.
"Kids are taught how to use EpiPen’s and taught about peanut allergies and safe sex practices and condoms. So why are we not teaching our kids about Narcan? Narcan can save lives," Geschke said.
Waukesha County Overdose Aid Kit (OAK)
Farrow said the county has trained 5,500 people how to use Narcan. He said health officials have verified 335 people whose lives have been saved by kits.
Interested parties can contact the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services for more information at 262-896-8061 or overdoseprevention@waukeshacounty.gov.