Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the acceptance of and appropriates a Wisconsin Department of Health Service donation of Narcan naloxone and fentanyl test strips for overdose prevention to the Police Department’s Madison Area Recovery Initiative and Patrol with an estimated value of $55,240. The Wisconsin Department of Health Service has made these items available to law enforcement agencies as part of the state’s opioid settlement fund grant program. Madison General ordinance 4.29(4) requires that gifts over ten thousand dollars ($10,000) must be accepted and appropriated by the Common Council. There is no impact on the city levy.
Title
Accepting a Wisconsin Department of Health Service donation of naloxone (Narcan) and fentanyl test strips for overdose prevention for the Police Department’s Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI) and Patrol operations
Body
PREAMBLE
Most overdoses in Dane County occur in the City of Madison and both have seen an overall decrease, which is attributed to the wide distribution and availability of Narcan. While overdoses are down, overdose deaths in Madison and Dane County have not decreased. Fentanyl, and more recently Xylazine, are contributing factors to overdoses. Fentanyl is cut into other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and even marijuana. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is cheap to produce and has highly addictive qualities, both attractive features to illegal drug producers.
The Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI) exists as a diversion and deflection program through the Madison Police Department and numerous partners, in particular Safe Communities. Following an overdose, a MPD officer and Peer Support Specialist from Safe Communities attempt contact with that person to offer help and resources. During that visit, the intended contact or collateral contact (family member, friend, etc.) are offered Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) and naloxone for their safety. The FTS allows for someone t...
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