Harm Reduction

Harm reduction programs for people who use drugs aim to make drug use less risky, prevent poor outcomes, promote better health, and connect people to essential resources. They provide supplies, education, and tools to help reduce the risk of disease, infection, injury, and death. Learn more at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services' page.

Naloxone Direct Program

Naloxone (name brand NARCAN®) is a safe, effective way to reverse the effects of an opioid-related overdose and can be administered by anyone (non-medical professionals). Opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine (MS Contin®)—all available legally by prescription—as well as fentanyl, which is available legally by prescription, but often made and distributed illegally. Heroin is an illegal opioid. The harms of opioid misuse, like an overdose, can impact any family. Friends and loved ones of persons using drugs are encouraged to have NARCAN® on-hanNarcan Kit Contents - two doses of Narcan, fentanyl test strips, CPR face mask in a first aid bagd. NARCAN® saves lives.

Door County Public Health has free NARCAN® available through the Wisconsin DHS Naloxone Direct Program. The Naloxone Direct Program is funded by opioid settlement funds from the pharmaceutical industry. Learn more here.

If you would like FREE NARCAN®, visit the Public Health office at 421 Nebraska Street. If you have questions, please call 920-746-2234.

Drug Checking Technologies (Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips)

In addition to Narcan, Door County Public Health also distributes drug checking tools—specifically, fentanyl and xylazine test strips. These simple, FREE tools allow individuals to test drugs before use to see whether they contain dangerous substances.

  • Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl and many of its analogs, which are potent synthetic opioids often found in counterfeit pills or mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge. 
  • Xylazine test strips identify the presence of xylazine, a powerful veterinary sedative increasingly found in the unregulated drug supply. Xylazine is not an opioid and does not respond to Narcan, but using Narcan is still recommended in any suspected overdose.

Testing drugs before use helps people make more informed decisions and can reduce the risk of fatal overdose. While no test is 100% accurate, drug checking provides valuable harm reduction information that can save lives.


Safe Medication Storage and Disposal

Safely storing medications and disposing of unused and expired medications helps protect the people around you and your environment. Lock boxes, lock bags, and drug deactivation kits are available FREE at Door County Public Health and at the Sheriff's Office. 

Find a permanent drug drop box near you here. Permanent Drug Drop Box Image

Medication Storage and Disposal Flyer

Syringe Access

Door County Public Health offers free sharps disposal and sharps containers, but does not have a syringe access program. Interested residents can fill out and application with NEXT Distro for FREE harm reduction supplies by mail. Bad River Harm Reduction Project provides sterile syringes, naloxone, sharps containers, alcohol pads, fentanyl test strips, condoms, and more by mail. Visit NEXT Distro to learn more and to complete an application for supplies.

Condoms

Free condoms are available at the Public Health office at 421 Nebraska Street. If you have questions, please call 920-746-2234.