Overdose aid kits come to Chippewa County Schools

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health has partnered with The Clinton Foundation, to provide 32 overdose aid kits to all Chippewa County Public Schools. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and well-being of students, staff and community members, by equipping schools with life-saving resources.

“The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority,” said Brittnay Fortuna, public health director. “By installing overdose aid kits, we are taking proactive steps to save lives and raise awareness.”

These kits not only serve as a critical tool in emergencies, but also as an opportunity to educate students, staff and families, about prevention and harm reduction.

“Together, we can create safer environments and empower individuals, with the knowledge and resources they need, to make healthier choices.” said Fortuna.

Overdose aid kits are metal boxes that contain Narcan – an FDA-approved opioid overdose-reversal medication – along with other critical tools, such as CPR breathing barriers, step-by-step instructions for Narcan administration, DisposeRx packets, for safe disposal of unused medications, fentanyl test strips to detect the presence of the potent opioid in other drugs and informational resources on substance use support at local, state and national levels.

“Kids exposed to fentanyl aren’t always at fault,” said Sen. Jesse James. “Taking proactive measures, like providing Narcan and offering educational resources, creates a win-win for our schools, communities and families.”

If a community partner is interested in having an overdose aid kit installed at their location, contact Jessica Geschke, at 920-382-6834, or jgeschke@clintonfoundation. org.

Individuals and organizations can request to be trained in Narcan administration, to learn how to effectively recognize and reverse opioid overdoses. Visit chippewacountywi. gov or stop by the health department, located at 711 N. Bridge St., Room 121, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, for more information.

Training and harm reduction supplies are available, Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.