EMS Leave Behind Program

The Division of Care and Treatment Services is providing nasal naloxone and fentanyl test strip kits to EMS agencies operating leave behind programs. Complete the application linked below by 11:59 p.m. April 15, 2025, to apply for supplies.

Overview

The purpose of this one-time opportunity is to request applications from EMS agencies interested in distributing nasal naloxone and fentanyl test strip kits to community members in an attempt to prevent drug overdoses and save lives. Through this opportunity, EMS agencies will receive nasal naloxone and fentanyl test strip kits at no cost.

Naloxone is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It works by removing opioids at the brain receptor level, then blocking the brain receptors to prevent opioids from reattaching. It has a shelf life of four years and should be stored at room temperature (60°F to 80°F). This opportunity provides NARCAN®, a brand of nasal naloxone. State law allows for the possession, dispensing, and delivery of naloxone [Wis. Stat. § 450.11(1i)(b)].

Fentanyl test strips are a low-cost method of informing an individual of the presence of fentanyl in a substance. Using fentanyl test strips empowers the individual to make an informed decision about their substance use. Results indicating the sample is positive or negative for fentanyl are available within three minutes. This opportunity provides fentanyl test strip kits or individual plastic bags that contain one of each of the following items: fentanyl test strip, mixing tin, sterile water, and a 10mg scoop. Simple instructions for using fentanyl test strips available from the Division of Care and Treatment Services (PDF). They should be printed and included with these fentanyl test strip kits. State law allows for the possession and use of fentanyl test strips [Wis. Stat. § 961.571(1)(b)].

Leave behind programs allow EMS professionals to distribute (leave behind) drug overdose prevention tools and resources at the scene of care with the person experiencing a drug overdose and/or their social networks (family, friends, roommates, etc.). Leave behind programs also create opportunities to provide the person and/or their social networks connections to local treatment providers, harm reduction organizations, and other behavioral health supports.

Drug overdose survivors face an increased risk of having a fatal drug overdose in the future. The supplies shared through leave behind programs can reverse an opioid overdose and keep the individual alive if administered in time.

When applying for the EMS Leave Behind Program, please estimate the amount of supplies needed to support one year of program needs.

Eligible applicants

The following agencies providing services in Wisconsin are eligible to apply to participate in the EMS Leave Behind Program: EMS providers that provide emergency medical services as an emergency medical responder service provider, non-transporting EMS provider, or ambulance service provider as defined by Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 110.04(25).

Program timeline

• April 15, 2025: Applications due.
• May 6, 2025 (estimated): Applicants accepted into the program will be notified by the Bureau of Prevention Treatment and Recovery. This notification will include the number of nasal naloxone cases (each case contains 12 two-dose kits--a total of 24 doses) and number of fentanyl test strip kits awarded to the applicant. Instructions on how to report information regarding training and distribution efforts will also be included in this notification.
• May through July 2025 (estimated): All approved supplies will be ordered and mailed at one time to all accepted applicants.
• May 2025 through May 2026: Accepted applicants submit monthly outcome reports.

Program requirements

All agencies participating in the EMS Leave Behind Program must do all of the following.

Use of supplies
Agree that all harm reduction supplies – naloxone and fentanyl test strip kits – will be distributed to community members and not used for EMS activities.

Points of contact

• Designate a person to track and report program related data through May 2026.
• Notify the Bureau of Prevention Treatment and Recovery within two weeks of a change to the agency's contact person and/or data and reporting contact.

Data collection

• Report monthly naloxone distribution and refills provided within the REDCap system through May 2026, including:
  • Number of naloxone kits distributed to individuals at high risk of a drug overdose (EMS patients).
  • Number of naloxone kits distributed to the families, friends, and partners of high-risk individuals at high risk of a drug overdose.
• Report monthly fentanyl test strip kit distribution within the REDCap system through May 2026, including:
  • Number of people served (given fentanyl test strip kits).
  • Number of fentanyl test strip kits distributed.

Questions

Send questions about the EMS Leave Behind Program to DHSDCTSBPTRFundingOpportunities@dhs.wisconsin.gov.