The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29, encouraging residents to learn overdose warning signs and where to access naloxone, also known as Narcan.
Health officials say illicit fentanyl remains a serious risk, even as fatal overdoses in Lincoln have declined. Data from Lincoln Police Department shows 21 fatal overdoses or poisonings were recorded in 2024, down from 45 in 2021. Five of those deaths involved fentanyl and 11 involved other opioids.
“While we have seen progress over the years, the work is far from over,” Health Director Kerry Kernen said in a statement.
Officials say fentanyl can be mixed into other drugs without a person knowing, increasing overdose risk.
The health department says one tool it uses to monitor trends is wastewater testing, which tracks anonymous, community-level patterns involving illicit drugs and opioids. Officials say testing has shown an overall decline in fentanyl levels since 2023, though recent increases underscore continuing risk.
Health officials are also emphasizing the importance of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Signs of an overdose may include slowed or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, pinpoint pupils and cold or clammy skin. If an overdose is suspected, officials say to call 911, administer naloxone as soon as possible and stay with the person until help arrives.
Free naloxone is available through the health department’s HealthToGo vending machines at locations across Lincoln, as well as participating pharmacies statewide. Visit StopODNE.com to find a location near you. Additional local resources are available at lincoln.ne.gov/OD.
More information and overdose prevention resources are available through the health department and at Overdose Prevention Coalition partners.