OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) – The Winnebago County Health Department is reporting an increase in the number of suspected overdose deaths in our area.

Health officials said on social media that they had been informed of a sharp increase in the number over the past three weeks.

We have been talking for years about the opioid epidemic that affects countless families in our area.

At the end of Winnebago County’s alert is the message “Narcan saves lives.” It urges people not to use drugs alone and encourages them to get free Narcan from the Winnebago County Health Department. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Officials point out that first responders, medical personnel, and drug users and their families should be aware of the increased risk of overdose.

The State Ministry of Health has Dashboards on opioid deaths in Wisconsin. If you’re looking at deaths or hospitalizations by county, hover over the county you live in to see the data.

Looking at last month’s numbers, the number of suspected overdose cases was highest in Winnebago County, especially among men between the ages of 75 and 84.

We say “possible” or “suspected” because these are reported ambulance calls in the individual districts.

Other counties with multiple possible overdose cases in the last month included Brown, Manitowoc, Marinette and Outagamie.

For assistance, please call 1-877-696-1996.

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