SUPERIOR, Wis. (Northern News Now) — Opioid-related overdoses in Wisconsin are seeing a decline in recent years, but health leaders say there is still more work to be done.

The Douglas County Drug Prevention Coalition hosted a community training Wednesday in Superior to teach the public how to administer Narcan to anyone who may be suffering from an opioid overdose.

Trainers from the coalition demonstrated how Narcan is a life-saving medication. Diana Brooks-Hoff said her son Brandon was saved by Narcan when he overdosed on heroin.

“Without Narcan my son would not be here. My son is five years sober now, he’s getting ready to get married, he’s changed his life around,” Brooks-Hoff said.

That life changing moment has saved other lives as well.

“Probably 10 to 15 people he’s used Narcan on in his span of life to save another person’s life” Brooks-Hoff said

Narcan Training

The coalition hosts community education trainings where anyone can show up, learn and gain access to Narcan. The medication, can save someone’s life in as little as two to three minutes with proper administration.

“It’s the only source and only tool that could potentially reverse the effects of an overdose is naloxone,” said Leanne Eisenhauer, a coalition volunteer.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Resources said that in 2024, 818 deaths occurred from opioids, down from the 1,422 deaths in 2023.

In 2024, those deaths made up 69% of all drug overdoses that year. With 59.6% of those deaths ranging in age from 18-44.

“We have been seeing overdose rates coming down. However, the drug use hasn’t gone away. People do use,” Eisenhauer said.

The coalition said even though they are seeing a decline, they still want to combat the stigma behind drug abuse.

Eisenhauer said the most important thing to remember when helping someone with an overdose, even after the use of Narcan, is to stay with the person until medical help arrives.

“I thank God that there’s Narcan and I thank God that there’s people that used it to save my son’s life,” Brooks-Hoff said.

The coalition will be hosting a free medication disposal Friday as well as an event called Movies on the Island at Barker’s Island.

Click here to learn more about the event and the coalition.

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