04/08/2026
🚨 Community Health Alert: Increased Overdose Risk in Suburban Cook County 🚨
⚠️The Cook County Department of Public Health is sharing an important update following a recent alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding changes in the drug supply that are increasing the risk of overdose in the Chicagoland area.
A substance called medetomidine—a veterinary sedative—is now being found mixed with fentanyl. This combination can cause:
• Prolonged sedation
• Slowed heart rate
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Increased risk of overdose and death
⚠️ Even when naloxone is used, individuals may remain heavily sedated and require additional medical care.
🛑 What You Should Know:
• Carry naloxone and be ready to use it
• Naloxone works only if opioids are present
• In an emergency: Lay, Spray, Stay
• Call 911 immediately and say the person is “unresponsive”
• Do not use alone and avoid mixing substances
• Recovery may take longer due to additional substances
⚕️ Watch for Severe Withdrawal Symptoms:
Seek medical attention right away if someone experiences:
• Chest pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Confusion
• Changes in alertness
💙 Free naloxone is available throughout suburban Cook County, and training is available for those who want to learn how to use it. Visit HERE for locations: https://cookcountypublichealth.org/where-to-get-free-naloxone/
The CCDPH continues working with local partners to monitor trends, provide resources, and protect our community.
🔗 Resources:
• Naloxone info & locations: Cook County Department of Public Health: https://cookcountypublichealth.org/
• Family Guidance Centers: 1-844-8FGCCARES
• Live4Lali: https://live4lali.org/our-programs/harmreductionoutreach/
💬 Please share to help keep our community informed and safe.
Schiller Park Police Department
Where to Get Free Naloxone En Español Community box locations CCDPH organization request form CCDPH offers training and distribution of naloxone kits and test strips to organizations in suburban Cook County. Live4Lali Live4Lali’s Mail Order Program offers free, discreet shipping of naloxone, fent...