1-9-25 overdose aid kits installed at fdl county agencies

Fond du Lac – ADVOCAP, Holy Family Warming Shelter, Fond du Lac County Health Department, and local parents affected by overdose, are working in collaboration with the non-profit organization Clinton Foundation to install Overdose Aid Kits (OAKs) across the community. These newly installed kits will be available at various business locations within Fond du Lac County, starting on Tuesday, January 7th. These kits are in addition to the OAKs that have been installed previously at the Gratitude Club and Lighthouse Christian Church in Fond du Lac.   The purpose of the OAKs is to provide life-saving tools and resources for individuals at risk of overdose. These kits contain naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, along with other helpful materials such as educational information on how to prevent and respond to overdoses. “Opioid overdoses can happen at any time and having Narcan on hand can save a life. The Narcan in the OAKs is available for anyone to take, no questions asked, to use in an emergency,” said Jessica Geschke, Senior Project Manager at the Clinton Foundation and creator of the OAKs.   This initiative demonstrates a collaborative effort to combat the opioid crisis and provide immediate assistance to those in need, offering a proactive approach to saving lives within the local community. Every life saved is an opportunity for healing, growth, a fresh start toward a brighter future and a path to recovery.   “We are grateful for the Fond du Lac County Health Department’s leadership as we seek to combat the opioid crisis. While we know that overdoses are found across backgrounds and demographics, statistics show that about one-third of those experiencing homelessness also suffer from issues with substance abuse. Having access to Narcan and educational materials with the OAK will help us to better care for and educate our guests at the Holy Family Warming Shelter if the need should ever arise,” Holy Family Catholic Community Director of Human Concerns Erin Cobb said.    “Making OAKs available at ADVOCAP reflects our commitment to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where people can get the help they need,” says ADVOCAP Executive Director Tanya Marcoe. “Everyone deserves compassion and support, especially in times of crisis. This is one way we hope we can make a difference in the fight against fentanyl.”

Locations in Fond du Lac County that will be hosting OAKs include:

We can all take action to save lives. If you would like information on how to use Narcan nasal spray to reverse an opioid overdose, contact Fond du Lac County Health Department at 920-929-3085. Fond du Lac County Health Department is a Narcan Direct Site and provides Narcan and training at no-cost to community members/organizations. To learn more about the Overdose Aid Kits, please visit www.overdoseaidkit.com.   The Clinton Foundation is encouraging additional businesses, organizations, and municipalities to join the fight against the fentanyl crisis and host an OAK. Interested parties can contact the Clinton Foundation for more information at 920-382-6834 or jgeschke@clintonfoundation.org.