The Sconi

MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today began a series of visits to law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin that have received grants from state opioid settlement funds secured by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). Twelve Tribal nations, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies were awarded grants for projects aimed at preventing and reducing the dangers associated with opioid use. This grant program is part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (DHS) strategy to utilize the state's share of the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement with opioid distributors and manufacturers.

“As these investments illustrate, the funds we’ve helped secure are making it possible to do more to combat the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Thank you to the law enforcement agencies that are using these funds to expand their efforts to fight this crisis.”

“The opioid settlement funds provide us an opportunity to improve the health and safety of our communities," said Kirsten Johnson, Department of Health Services Secretary-designee. "We're pleased to partner with these law enforcement agencies on critical projects that will save lives."

The funded projects align with the goals set by the national opioid settlement agreement, which stipulates that funding must be used for prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services. Wisconsin is slated to receive over $750 million through 2038 due in part to negotiations led by DOJ. Thirty percent of these funds will be allocated to DHS for opioid abatement initiatives pending approval from the legislature's Joint Committee on Finance. The remaining funds will address local needs identified by participating county and municipal governments.

Grants awarded include funding for community drug disposal systems; programs designed to keep individuals with an opioid use disorder out of jail; education and training for staff on medications used in treating opioid use disorder; and treatment options for jail residents with an opioid use disorder.

Community drug disposal systems:

Funding must be used for distributing drug deactivation units or purchasing and installing drug drop boxes. These measures aim to prevent drugs from being taken mistakenly, falling into wrong hands, or contaminating water supplies.

Programs keeping people with an opioid use disorder out of jail:

Funding connects individuals using opioids who engage in illegal behavior with health and social services within their community rather than entering the criminal justice system where needed supports may not be available.

Education and training on medications for opioid use disorder:

Funds build staff awareness about methadone, buprenorphine products, and naltrexone—medications that reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when combined with counseling as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Treatment for jail residents:

Funds ensure availability of medications like methadone, buprenorphine products, and naltrexone along with counseling support for incarcerated individuals suffering from an opioid use disorder. This initiative aims to reduce death risks during incarceration and upon release.

DOJ and DHS announced the full list of grant recipients last month. Attorney General Kaul commenced his tour today at Rock County Sheriff’s Office and plans further visits throughout June.

---