Wood County Overdose Alert
Posted
10/14/2026
by
kmengel@co.wood.wi.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ashley Normington, Public Health Strategist
715-421-8923 / Ashley.Normington@woodcountywi.gov
Wood County Overdose Alert
Wood County, WI - Wood County is seeing an increase in the number of drug overdoses between October 7 and October 14, 2026. Read this information carefully to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors:
What is happening?
- Street drugs are deadlier right now. Illegal drugs - including pressed pills, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine - are being mixed with toxic amounts of substances like fentanyl.
- You cannot see, smell, or taste fentanyl. Even a tiny amount can cause a fatal overdose.
- Any pill not from a pharmacy could be fake. Do not trust pills bought online or from a friend.
How to stay safer?
- Never use drugs alone. If you don't have a safe person to use with, call Safe Spot at 1-800-972-0590. You cannot use naloxone on yourself.
- Use drug testing strips and test your supply (test stimulants for fentanyl, test opioids for xylazine). Free test strips are available at locations in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids - see resource map below.
- Keep Narcan (Naloxone) with you. Tell someone where it is and how/when to use it.
Signs of an Overdose: An overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you see someone with these signs:
- Unresponsive: The person will not respond to your voice or touch. Yell, "I'm going to Narcan you!" or do a sternum rub with your knuckles.
- Breathing issues: Their breathing is very slow, shallow, or has stopped completely.
- Choking sounds: They are making gurgling, snoring, or choking noises.
- Skin changes: Their lips or fingernails are blue, gray, or pale.
- Small pupils: The black centers of their eyes are extremely small ("pinpoint pupils").
Training on how to use naloxone is available from the WI Department of Health Services on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH2mkQC3-fc. Remember to give one dose every 2-3 minutes and check for return of breathing (they may not wake up completely).
Find free Wood County resources near you (resource map):
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1mQxr2IVwKWenPjT8gnoSAo8NINR7qRg&femb=1&ll=44.51277844977247%2C-89.9960521&z=10