Two tribes are warning their citizens about recent overdoes from heroin in northern Wisconsin.
The
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians issued a warning on February and the
Lac du Flambeau Band followed up a
day later. Both tribes linked the overdoses to a "toxic and strong dose of heroin" in the region.
Stacy Stone, the Lac du Flambeau Band's state of emergency coordinator, told The Lakeland Times that the tribe was "being proactive" by warning people about the recent incidents.
According to the tribes, the heroin has appeared as a "white powdery substance" and been called "Batman" or "China White." It could be linked to
fentanyl, an opioid that is known for being especially potent.
Both tribes are among the many in Indian Country dealing with the opioid epidemic. The Bad River Band declared a "public health emergency" last November in response to a rise in substance abuse.
The Lac du Flambeau Band has also seen problems with opioids and methamphetamine. A recent murder can be linked to drugs and gang activity, according to the tribe.
Elsewhere in Wisconsin, the
St. Croix Chippewa Indians is suing the drug companies for not doing enough to address the crisis. At least seven other tribes are doing the same.
Read More on the Story:
Bad River overdose cases prompt notice from LdF tribe
(The Lakeland Times March 6, 2018)
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