The Sconi

Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is highlighting new state efforts to end overdose deaths and improve the health of people who use drugs. This annual observance, as proclaimed by Gov. Tony Evers, serves as a day to remember those lost to drug overdose, acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and act to save lives.

"Too many of our family members, friends, and neighbors are dying due to an unsafe drug supply, with no community immune to the impacts of the overdose epidemic," said DHS Director of Substance Use Initiatives Michelle Haese. "Together we can make a difference by meeting people who use drugs where they're at in their life journey without judgment, just the support and tools they need to stay safe."

Drug overdoses decreased slightly nationally and in Wisconsin in 2023, marking the first decrease since 2018. Despite this reduction, more than 1,700 fatal drug overdoses occurred in Wisconsin in 2023—an increase of 45% since 2018. Most overdoses involve fentanyl—a powerful opioid—and other drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine or a combination thereof.

DHS continues its collaboration with programs, services, and partners—including over 100 community coalitions across the state—to find solutions to the overdose epidemic. Overdose fatality review teams in 21 counties examine each local death for potential life-saving measures while a mobile harm reduction response team works with people who use drugs to reduce risks associated with infection, overdose, and death. Mobile opioid treatment programs facilitate easier access to medications for opioid use disorder.

This month, DHS is taking additional steps to meet community needs across Wisconsin:

- DHS is collaborating with community agencies statewide to ensure naloxone is available for free when needed. Naloxone distributors have attended regional meetings focused on enhancing naloxone access.

- Twenty-two community agencies received grants for public health vending machines stocked with lifesaving tools like naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Additionally, ten agencies received grants for supplies for existing vending machines.

Grantees include Hope Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse; Langlade County Health Department; Madison Street Medicine; Milwaukee Turners; North Shore Health Department; Portage County Health and Human Services; Rock County Public Health Department; Southwest Suburban Health Department; Tellurian Behavioral Health; Wood County Health Department.

All Tribal nations, county and municipal government agencies, and nonprofit agencies were invited to apply for part of $2.25 million in one-time funding designated for these grants. More than 80 locations across Wisconsin are expected to host public health vending machines funded by these grants.

Maps on the DHS website display all locations providing free naloxone and fentanyl test strips.

Seven community agencies received annual grants through 2028 to expand or establish navigator programs connecting people who use drugs with services aimed at reducing drug-related harms. These services may include drug checking supplies programs offering syringe services wound care substance use disorder treatment

Vivent Health has been awarded $250000 annually through 2028 provide training technical assistance community agencies engaging people who use drugs This includes acting resource hub identifying addressing barriers accessing health wellness services training staff best practices working clients

DHS’s efforts are primarily funded by grants from Centers Disease Control Prevention Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration well state government's share Wisconsin's opioid settlement dollars

More information about building supportive communities where prevention works treatment available recovery can happen everyone found DHS Real Talks Wisconsin webpages

Ali Maresh Director Claire Yunker Deputy Director Elizabeth Goodsitt Specialist Jennifer Miller Specialist Members media send questions DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov Sign receive email notices DHS news releases made public Understand Statute Make Request

---