Contact: Aaron White
Phone: 202-225-5506
Aaron.White@mail.house.gov

La Crosse – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind unveiled his comprehensive action plan to address the growing drug epidemic that has been hurting families and communities across Wisconsin. The plan was created in collaboration with Wisconsin law enforcement officials, community health centers, medical professionals, drug treatment officials, and families of those suffering from addiction.

“Our drug epidemic is an all-hands-on-deck moment in Wisconsin. We need a strong partnership at the federal, state and local level,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “In creating this plan, I have worked with people in our communities that are dealing with this crisis every day, including treatment centers, healthcare professionals and law enforcement officials. Together, we need to combat the devastating affect this has on families and communities alike.”

Over 64,000 people in the United States died from drug related overdoses in 2016 – 42,000 from opioids alone. In Wisconsin, emergency room visits for opioid overdoses more than doubled over the course of a year.

Rep. Kind’s Drug Epidemic Action Plan consists of five key components:

  • Provide Support to Law Enforcement and Communities and Intercept Drugs at the Border
  • Expand Access to Treatment
  • Encourage Alternative Pain Treatments
  • Improve Prescribing Practices
  • Increase Access to Mental Health Care through Medicaid Expansion

Read the full plan here.

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