Wisconsin Allocates Opioid Settlement Funds to Combat Overdose Crisis
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has unveiled its strategy for disbursing its share of $794 million from opioid settlement funds, following agreements with major pharmaceutical entities. This year, Wisconsin is set to receive approximately $16.5 million, an increase from the $14.5 million received in 2025. The funds are earmarked for crucial initiatives aimed at curbing overdose deaths, enhancing treatment access, and bolstering recovery services.
“This funding has saved lives in Wisconsin,” stated DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. “We have made significant investments in every corner of the state to fill the gaps and connect communities with the resources people need, when and where they need them. We are committed to a plan that protects Wisconsinites from the deadly outcomes of opioid misuse.”
Wisconsin experienced a notable 42.5% reduction in opioid overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024, with deaths decreasing from 1,422 to 817. Despite this progress, opioid misuse remains a critical issue affecting families and communities statewide. The settlement funds aim to sustain successful efforts and reach those still in need.
Attorney General Kaul emphasized, “The work being done with opioid settlement funds is having a real impact. We must work to continue the decline in opioid-related overdose deaths in Wisconsin.”
DHS crafted its funding plan by incorporating insights from public surveys, partner listening sessions, and reviews of current programs. The allocation includes:
- $9 million for Tribal nations impacted by opioids
- $6.5 million for room and board for Medicaid members seeking residential treatment
- $3.5 million for overdose prevention and infectious disease measures like naloxone distribution
- $3 million for educational prevention programs in schools and community agencies
- $2 million in law enforcement grants
- $2 million for substance use treatment for pregnant and parenting women
- $2 million for prevention and recovery services for Birth to 3 Program families
- $1 million for training providers on medications for opioid use disorder
- $1 million for recovery coalitions focused on family support
- $500,000 for pharmacy training and support
- $500,000 for family-centered treatment
DHS has released $3 million for room and board services to agencies serving seven Tribal nations and 66 counties, alongside $1 million in law enforcement grants across 16 county sheriff’s offices and one Tribal police department. Detailed information on fund recipients and previous projects is available on the DHS opioid settlement funds webpage.
The inaugural Wisconsin Substance Use Summit, scheduled for August 5-6 in Green Bay and virtually, will showcase efforts to build healthy communities through substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The event is open to the public.
For those seeking assistance with substance use concerns, trained specialists can be reached through the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery by calling 211 or 833-944-4673, texting a ZIP code to 898211, or visiting addictionhelpwi.org.
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