Contact: Rep. John Nygren (888) 534-0089
Legislature continues fighting Wisconsin’s opioid epidemic
Madison–State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) released the following statement after joining Governor Walker at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay for the signing of the two most recent Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Agenda Bills:
“I am proud that we are continuing to work towards addressing our state’s prescription opioid epidemic. The bills signed into law today provide millions to both aid local law enforcement in their efforts to combat drug trafficking and help those in recovery get the treatment they so desperately need.
“Because of the great strides we’ve made with the HOPE Agenda, Wisconsin is a national leader on this issue and we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.”
Data released by the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is very promising. When comparing the 2017 April-June time period to the same months in 2016, 2017 saw 17.5 million fewer opioid dosages dispensed. This represents a 12% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, we have seen a 47% reduction in ‘doctor shopping’ alerts on the PDMP.
Following today’s bill signing, the HOPE Agenda now consists of 30 laws total. All 30 laws have been approved with broad bipartisan support by both Houses of the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Walker.
“Because of the great strides we’ve made with the HOPE Agenda, Wisconsin is well ahead of the curve in addressing our country’s prescription opioid and heroin problem. While there is still more work to be done, our leadership will surely help guide other states as they battle this same epidemic.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped formulate these important pieces of legislation. I appreciate the time taken by Governor Walker to sign these important bills into law. Moving forward, I eagerly anticipate continuing conversations with the medical community, law enforcement, my fellow legislators, the governor, the attorney general, and advocates statewide to further these significant efforts.”
