Free overdose emergency kits available through LCHD

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) is offering free overdose emergency kits.

LCHD explained that naloxone, commonly known by the name brand Narcan, is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It quickly restores normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. 

Naloxone is not a treatment for opioid use disorder, LCHD noted.

Free Narcan kits are available at LCHD, 801 N. Sales St., Merrill.

To receive naloxone through the mail via the Bad River Harm Reduction Mail Order Program, visit www.nextdistro.org/wilangchoice.

LCHD provided the following signs and symptoms of an overdose:

• Loss of consciousness
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Small, “pinpoint” pupils (the dark circle in the center of the eye may appear very small)
• Blue lips and fingertips
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Slowed heart rate

To learn how to use Narcan nasal spray, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9Sv64FJPhg.