Watertown Police Force Voices Fentanyl Concerns
Watertown Police Force Voices Fentanyl Concerns
Watertown Police Department (WPD) released a public safety alert on Monday, April 14, regarding two overdoses over the weekend. One is believed to have been caused by fentanyl.
The Northeast Prevention Resource Center (NEPRC), a program of the Human Service Agency, has partnered with Watertown officials and placed NaloxBoxes around the community in response to these recent events. The wall-mounted emergency units include gloves, naloxone nasal spray, a CPR breathing mask and instructions for administering the medication and performing rescue breaths.
NEPRC has placed the NaloxBoxes in high-traffic areas in the community at Brothers and Sister Behind Bars in the main office, men’s house and women’s house; Human Service Agency, Serenity Hills, CARE office and main building; Lake Area Technical College; Midwest Bible Camp; Watertown School District, middle school and high school; Prairie Lakes Ice Arena; Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, Watertown Regional Airport, and 612 Flats.
Fentanyl is an addictive synthetic opioid that is extremely potent. The drug is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and small amounts can be deadly. Powder fentanyl is transdermal, meaning it can be easily absorbed through the skin, putting users, first responders and bystanders at risk.
Watertown police advise that if you encounter a suspicious white powder that you not touch, inhale, or try to clean it up, leave the area immediately and keep others away, call WPD and report the substance to authorities, if you suspect someone was exposed, call 911 immediately for medical help.
The best way to stay safe is to stay informed. WPD encourages the public to talk with their family, especially young people, about the dangers of fentanyl, do not take medications or any pill or substance that is not prescribed directly to you, carry naloxone (Narcan) if you or someone you know is at risk of opioid overdose.
Businesses and organizations interested in getting a NaloxBox can contact Dodi Haug at 605-884-3516 or dodih@humanserviceagency.org.
