Wisconsin’s Department of Health Service (DHS) issued a press release concerning the availability of free fentanyl testing strips statewide.
“The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced that 120,600 fentanyl test strips have been distributed to organizations across the state to help prevent drug overdose deaths,” the announcement began.
“Tragically, many people who use drugs have no idea they are ingesting fentanyl until it’s too late. That’s why we need to empower our family members, friends, and neighbors who use drugs to have as much information as possible to protect their safety. Fentanyl test strips are a critical tool in our efforts to save lives,” stated DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake.
According to the release, in 2020, there were 812 overdose deaths in Wisconsin where illegally manufactured fentanyl was considered to be probable or suspected in contributing cause of death. The first phase of the fentanyl test strip distribution program is funded by $1.25 million from Wisconsin’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act, and is one of many strategies DHS is using to reduce the harms of drug use.
The release also had links to a map of pick-up locations and locations where NARCAN is available, the latter available for purchase at Walgreens in Waupaca County.
In Waupaca County, fentanyl test strips are available from the Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services, 811 Harding Street, Waupaca.
Online reaction
The following are some of the verbatum comments from the DHS Facebook posting.
I do not think we should keep giving addicts free stuff … test strips, food stamps, insurance, etc. They should have to earn it just like the Americans paying for it!
How is offering free fentanyl test strips a strategy to help battle the opioid crisis?? That’s just an assurance the drug they’re taking is fentanyl free. Why not use that money to offer low cost or free treatment facilities. One that not only deals with the addiction, but all the trouble areas in the individuals life. Teach them coping skills, life skills and setting healthy boundaries. Work with them on letting go of any anger or resentment issues. How to set goals for a positive life style change. Fentanyl test strips may save their life from overdosing on fentanyl but they could still overdose on whatever drug they’re taking. Either way, eventually the addiction will take their life. Jails, institutions or death is the path that one is on through addiction. Put that money to better use then on strips!
Or we could close the border and stop the flow of fentanyl from coming into our country right at the source of the problem.
Doesn’t this just encourage illegal drug use?