The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has distributed over $21 million in opioid settlement funds to various agencies across the state from October to December 2024. This is the largest quarterly distribution since Wisconsin began receiving funds in 2022 as part of a national litigation against pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy chains. The grants are intended to support projects that prevent non-medical use of opioids, reduce harms associated with opioid use, and expand access to treatment and recovery for individuals with opioid use disorder.

"This funding continues to embrace evidence-based approaches to meet people where they’re at," stated Michelle Haese, DHS Director of Substance Use Initiatives. "We are making intentional investments in supports and services for Wisconsinites, ultimately helping to improve and save the lives of people experiencing substance misuse or substance use disorders."

The allocated funds are being used for harm reduction efforts, treatment programs, capital projects, and educational initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance support within Tribal communities and law enforcement agencies.

Two years ago, an agreement was finalized involving major pharmaceutical distributors Cardinal, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Johnson & Johnson under the National Prescription Opiate Litigation Case Number MDL 2804. Payments from these companies will continue for several more years. Additionally, Wisconsin has started receiving money from settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS.

To date, DHS has received approximately $75 million from the litigation proceedings and expects around $153 million more through 2038. These funds are dedicated to investing in opioid abatement initiatives throughout Wisconsin.

DHS is inviting state residents to provide input on how best to utilize the state's share of fiscal year 2026 opioid settlement funds through a public survey open until February 28th. "We’ve made so much progress in addressing the state’s opioid epidemic and saving lives," said Haese. "Yet there is still work to do."

Preliminary data shows a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in Wisconsin from 1,464 in 2022 to 1,421 in 2023. This decline mirrors trends seen nationally and suggests that community efforts funded by these settlements are effective.

Further information about past plans and reports on opioid settlement funds can be found on the DHS website alongside details about their Dose of Reality initiative focused on opioids.

Media inquiries can be directed to DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.