Greenfield Fire Chief John Cohn says Narcan has become "sexy."
It's the potentially life-saving drug available over the counter, which fights the effects of heroin overdose by blocking the drug’s connection to receptors in the brain. It can also reverse the effects of an overdose.
But Cohn says more than anything, it's a drug with a message.
"It really reflects that there's a problem in our society," he said. A problem with heroin.
Cohn's department administered dozens of doses in the last couple years, like many in Southeast Wisconsin.
Here's a look at the number of doses given in our area:
- In 2014 Kenosha Fire Department administered 146 doses, 186 in 2015.
- In 2014 Racine Fire Department administered 50 doses, which jumped to 86 in 2015.
- Milwaukee Fire Department administered 678 doses of Narcan in 2014. Then it dropped to 603 in 2015.
In Greenfield, the numbers have actually gone down. But not because overdoses have.
"The protocol changed that we only give Narcan who are suspected of an overdose," Cohn said.
He says they no longer give out the drug to people found unconscious for an unknown reason because Narcan is not a cheap drug to stock.
Milwaukee County reports that in 2015, it cost $11.49 a dose until October until the cost went up to $31.03.
But Kenosha paid $41 a dose and Waukesha paid $45.
"There is a downstrem effect to it," Cohn said. "Money has to come from somewhere and municipal budgets are tight."
But Cohn says Narcan shouldn't be the only go-to option for people struggling with addiction.
"I'd like to see recognition, treatment and recovery become the sexy," he said.
On Monday, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Franklin and Greendale Police will hold a heroin summit to educate children and families about the drug. Cohn said heroin addiction can happen to anyone, anywhere, so summits like that help spread knowledge.
The summit is from 5-8 p.m. in Whitnall High School Auditorium at 5000 S. 166th St. In Greenfield.
