Narcan

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is an evidence-based approach that is critical to engaging with people who use substances and equipping them with life-saving tools and information to create positive change in their lives and potentially save their lives.

Harm reduction emphasizes engaging directly with people who use substances to prevent overdose and infectious disease transmission; improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing; and offer low barrier options for accessing health care services, including substance use and mental health disorder treatment.

What is Narcan (Naloxone)? Narcan is used to counteract opioid overdoses and save lives. It reverses the effects of opioid overdose on the central nervous system and respiratory by restoring breathing. Narcan begins working in 2-3 minutes and continues working for 30-90 minutes.. Naloxone is non-addictive and works only if opioids are present in the system. Learn how to administer Narcan here. Narcan nasal spray is the brand name of naloxone and is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose

How can I get Narcan? Walk-in training available at Columbia County Health and Human Services- 111 East Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901 or call (608) 742-9700 and press 6 to schedule a training for you or your buisness. With Narcan training, you will get the tools and skills to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Following training, you can get your FREE Narcan nasal spray.

Do you need to be a medical provider to use Narcan? No, anyone can learn how to use and give Narcan.

Questions? Please contact us at (608) 742-9227 and press 6 or email

narcan hand out

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl is driving an increase in drug overdose deaths both nationally and in Wisconsin. Fentanyl can be in anything, Fentanyl Test Stripes are a way to detect the presence of fentanyl in a vareity of different substances. Fentanyl Test Stripes are avaible free of charge at Columbia County Health and Human Services- 111 East Mullett Street, Portage, WI 53901 or call (608) 742-9227 and press 6 if you would like them mailed to you.

With the increase in Fentanyl, make sure you are never using alone. Please call the Never Use Alone's toll-free number at 1-800-696-1996 or consider downloaded the Brave App.