Madison, WI – The Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) is celebrating a year of collaboration with
the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy as a founding partner in launching the
Wisconsin Opioid Overdose Response Center (WOORC). Established in 2024 with a $2 million
federal grant from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
WOORC set out to address Wisconsin’s devastating opioid epidemic, where fentanyl has been
identified in more than 90% of opioid-related overdose deaths.
Over the past 12 months, PSW and WOORC have celebrated meaningful progress achieved through
this partnership:
- Expanding harm reduction access in rural communities: More pharmacies across
Wisconsin now carry fentanyl and xylazine test strips, giving rural communities life-saving
tools to prevent overdose. - Enhancing community member awareness: Pharmacies and community-based
organizations have distributed information on harm reduction strategies and medications
for opioid use disorder (MOUD), empowering community members and reducing stigma. - Building pharmacy workforce capacity: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have
engaged in training and education to strengthen their confidence and competence in
responding to the opioid crisis.
“WOORC was born out of the urgency of fentanyl’s devastating impact, and thanks to this
partnership and funding, we’ve equipped pharmacy professionals with more tools and knowledge
to serve their patients,” said PSW Director of Team-based Care Strategies Kate Hartkopf. “PSW
remains committed to supporting pharmacy teams with resources, education, and ongoing
guidance.”
PSW will continue to provide pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with support through
webinars, toolkits, and consultation, ensuring the foundation laid during this early partnership
grows into sustained impact across Wisconsin communities.
