Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration designed to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Narcan can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose and begins to work in 2-3 minutes. Narcan is available at the Health Department during business hours and has no cost. Residency not required.

Those getting Narcan for the first time will be given a brief training on how to use it and the signs of an overdose. Learn more about Narcan here.

Schedule a large group training by calling 414-766-7950. The training is free and typically takes between 15-30 minutes.

Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a harm reduction tool that can be used to prevent overdoses in combination with other strategies. FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables). FTS provide people who use drugs and communities with important information about fentanyl in the illegal drug supply so they can take steps to reduce risk of overdose. FTS are available at the Health Department during business hours and have no cost. Residency not required. Those getting FTS for the first time will be given a brief training on how to use them.

Prescription and many over-the-counter medications can be dangerous when they are misused. Be sure to secure your medications in a consistent manner that ensures access by only you and/or responsible individuals. Oak Creek residents can get a free medication lock box or bag at the Health Department during our business hours.

A substance use prevention and mental health promotion initiative of the Cudahy, Oak Creek, and South Milwaukee/St. Francis Health Departments. Formed in 2021, this collaboration works to raise awareness of substance use prevention and mental health resources available to those who work, live, play, and learn in the South Shore region of Milwaukee County. Learn more by visiting southshorecares.org.

The purpose of the Quick Response Team (QRT) is to promote community agency engagement to those who have a nonfatal overdose and provide information related to local resources for harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and offer Peer Support services. QRTs consist of a health department individual and a Peer Support Specialist. If contact is not made, information is left behind in a secure location. If you would like to make a referral, please do so on the South Shore CARES website here.