Wisconsin Seeks Public Input on Allocation of Opioid Settlement Funds
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is calling on residents to participate in shaping the future of the state’s opioid crisis response. An online survey has been launched to gather public suggestions on the distribution of over $874 million expected from opioid litigation settlements between 2022 and 2038. This initiative aims to ensure that the funds are used effectively to combat opioid misuse across Wisconsin.
Next year, Wisconsin anticipates receiving $11.6 million specifically designated for efforts that support prevention programming, reduce overdose fatalities, curb the spread of infectious diseases, enhance treatment availability, and bolster community recovery services. The survey will be open until September 30.
“Being able to hear from people who know best what their community needs to combat opioid use continues to be key to helping us identify priorities for this funding,” stated Michelle Haese, DHS Director of Substance Use Initiatives. “We will use the feedback from the survey to determine where we need to adapt our response efforts to ensure we can continue to save more lives from the dangers of opioid misuse.”
Since 2023, DHS has allocated over $86 million from previous opioid settlements to implement life-saving strategies. These funds have been used to increase access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, provide prevention education to students, offer medication-assisted treatment via mobile units, train healthcare providers, and support law enforcement efforts. These measures have significantly advanced Wisconsin’s efforts to address opioid use disorder since the nationwide epidemic emerged in the early 2000s.
“We want these funds to have as big an impact as possible in fighting the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Feedback from the public can help those evaluating how these can be used most effectively.”
In 2024, Wisconsin recorded 818 opioid overdose deaths, a marked decrease from 1,422 in 2023. While no single approach can be credited for this decline, the combined efforts of local partners in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services have strengthened communities and provided hope to those affected by opioid use disorder.
Individuals seeking assistance for substance use issues can connect with trained resource specialists through the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery helpline by calling 211 or 833-944-4673, texting a ZIP code to 898211, or chatting online at addictionhelpwi.org.
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