The Dakota County Drug Task Force is warning residents about an increase in fatal and non-fatal overdoses since mid-February 2024 in Dakota County. This signals a possible increased presence of fentanyl in the drug supply, specifically powder cocaine. Even recreational drug users are at risk for overdose and death. Fentanyl could be in drug supplies of cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
Know the signs of an opioid overdose
• Loss of consciousness
• Unresponsive to outside stimulus
• Fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish-black
• Pulse is slow, erratic or absent
• Breathing is very slow and shallow, erratic, or has stopped
• For lighter-skinned people, skin tone turns bluish-purple; for darker-skinned people, it turns gray or ashen
• Choking sounds or snore-like gurgling noise
• Vomiting
• Body is limp
Carry Naloxone and use fentanyl test strips
• Naloxone (Narcan) will reverse an opioid overdose if administered in time
• Find naloxone near you: Naloxone Finder
• Access naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other health care services: Syringe Service Program Network Calendar – MN Dept. of Health (state.mn.us)
Recovery is possible
• Learn more about treatment options in Minnesota: MN Detox Programs. Steve Rummler HOPE Network
• Find available treatment options: Fast Tracker – Fast Tracker (fasttrackermn.org)
• Locate opioid-use disorder treatment providers: Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator - SAMHSA
Get immediate help
• Mental health/emotional support: Call 988
• Crisis text line: Text “MN” to 741741
• For emergencies: Call 911
