Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Madison Police Department (MPD) to accept Narcan naloxone and fentanyl test strips from the Wisconsin Department of Health Service for an estimated value of at least $37,000. The supplies are made available to law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin as part of the State's opioid settlement fund grant program. Additionally, the resolution authorizes the MPD to accept the current and future donations from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. No City appropriation is required.
Title
Accepting Wisconsin Department of Health Service donations of naloxone (Narcan) and fentanyl test strips for overdose prevention for the Police Department’s Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI) and Patrol
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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 naloxone (brand name Narcan). 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 its partners, in particular Safe Communities, Tellurian Behavioral Health, UW Population Health Institute and Dane County Department of Human Services. Following an overdose, an MPD officer and Peer Support Specialist from Safe Communities attempt to contact 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 someone to test a small quantity of their substance to determine if it contains Fentanyl. If positive, they h...
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