The opioid epidemic has touched every corner of Wisconsin, and how the state responds to the crisis must be informed by the unique circumstances of each individual experiencing opioid use disorder, their friends and family, and their communities. Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced it will be holding virtual listening sessions around the state to determine how anticipated settlement funds from opioid manufacturers and distributors can be used to enhance Wisconsin’s system of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for opioid use to address needs at all levels.
“After opioid-related deaths exceeded 1,000 for the first time in 2020, we know there is more work we can do to continue building a healthier Wisconsin for every family and every community in every corner of our state. These listening sessions will allow us to hear directly from folks across our state about how we can use these funds to invest in efforts to address the opioid epidemic and increase access to substance use treatment and services,” said Governor Evers.
There are 12 listening sessions that include opportunities for partners and stakeholders and the general public to weigh-in with their thoughts on how to invest these dollars for maximum benefit for those most affected by opioid use.
