GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As the number of opioid overdose deaths across the country hits record numbers, Aurora Health Care announces it will now make Narcan, a drug that can reverse overdoses, available for free to patients or their families.
Aurora says it treated and saved more than 700 opioid overdose patients in its emergency rooms across Wisconsin just last year. That’s coming off 2021 when about 1,600 people statewide died from opioid overdoses.
In an effort to save lives, Aurora is now offering any overdose patient treated in one of its emergency departments a two-pack of Narcan, the brand name of the drug naloxone.
“We know that after a non-fatal overdose is the highest risk for a fatal overdose. So, it’s really an important time for us to be able to give this medication in-hand — not just a prescription but to say, ‘Here it is, this is how you use it,’ and really make a difference in somebody’s life, for sure,” said Dr. Diana Bottari, chairwoman of Aurora Health Care’s Opioid Stewardship Committee and addiction medicine physician.
According to Aurora, each two-pack costs the health system about $75. It’s funding the program through its Greatest Need fund.
The health system says it’s money well spent if it not only saves a life but also gives an opioid user an opportunity to seek treatment.
“When talk about EDs, [emergency departments], EDs are major touchpoints. Your patient is a captive audience. They’re there because they’re seeking help. So, this is our opportunity to give them a second chance at life because you can’t go into recovery if you’re dead,” Bottari added.
The move comes as law enforcement in Brown County says it’s seen an explosion of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Since 2021, the Brown County Drug Task force estimates 75% of its enforcement action revolves around the drug.
“We’re seeing drug trends change, specifically with fentanyl, and it’s getting more powerful and more deadly,” said Lt. Matt Ronk, director of the drug task force.
The drug task force knows it won’t arrest its way out of the opioid problem.
And while it’s concerned people who receive these free doses of Narcan may hoard it and then overdose intentionally, law enforcement also recognizes the importance of the medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
“I always think, if one of my children were to become addicted to opioids, I’d certainly want Narcan available to save their life,” said Ronk. “So, the more Narcan the merrier.”
Aurora hopes other health care systems and agencies agree as they look to make this potentially life-saving medication available to all who would benefit from it.
In addition to Aurora’s hospitals, we’re told HSHS St. Vincent and St. Mary’s hospitals also distribute Narcan to patients and their families when they are released from the hospital.
Vivent Health partners with many communities in our area to provide free Narcan as well.
