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Will County public health reports Narcan distribution uptick and flags carfentanil, kratom concerns
Summary
Public health staff reported lower overdoses year-over-year, broad Narcan distribution and reversals, and highlighted a local death involving carfentanil; staff also said they are monitoring kratom and expanding Narcan access points.
Will County public health staff reported ongoing overdose-prevention activities and distribution numbers, and raised concerns about emerging drug risks.
Connie DeWol, program manager for Will County substance use initiatives (filling in for Dr. Kathleen Burke), said the county has seen a decline in overdoses compared with the previous year and an increase in reported reversals, which indicates wider Narcan use. The department supplied totals for October: 1,426 Narcan boxes distributed countywide and 356 red distribution boxes placed at public locations; staff said they are adding more placement sites, including libraries.
Public health staff flagged one recent local death that involved both fentanyl and carfentanil. The department said carfentanil is distinct from fentanyl and is highly potent; reversing such an exposure may require multiple doses of naloxone.
Staff also reported monitoring kratom, noting it is a plant sometimes used for pain relief or opioid withdrawal but that products can be adulterated with other substances and may be addictive. The health staff said kratom can be reversed by naloxone in some overdoses but that limited research exists on its risks.
The department described partnerships with libraries, fire departments and treatment providers, ongoing community pop-ups and outreach (79 locations in October), and collaborations to place Narcan boxes and provide training. Staff asked the committee to continue supporting outreach and distribution efforts to reduce fatal overdoses.
No board action was taken; the report was informational and focused on prevention, distribution and monitoring trends.
