Wisconsin’s Pioneering Effort in Overdose Prevention Among First Responders
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has embarked on an unprecedented initiative to equip first responders with crucial overdose prevention training and education. This series of Overdose Prevention Summits targeted emergency services personnel and local leaders across the state, aiming to strengthen regional strategies against drug overdose incidents.
In April, more than 250 first responders from nearly 130 agencies participated in these summits, held across different regions of Wisconsin. “DHS continues to lead statewide efforts to further reduce overdose deaths and the impacts substance use has on Wisconsin communities,” stated Paula Tran, the state health officer and administrator of the Division of Public Health. “Still, this work cannot be done alone, and DHS recognizes that first responders and public safety officials are essential partners in saving lives.”
The summits provided an opportunity for first responders to exchange local solutions and experiences in overdose prevention. A total of 43 speakers contributed insights at the five events, strategically organized across the state to ensure wide regional engagement.
The timing of these summits coincides with a shifting drug landscape in Wisconsin and nationwide. Increasingly, the sedative medetomidine, which is not sanctioned for human use, is being mixed with fentanyl, particularly in the northeastern U.S. DHS remains vigilant in monitoring these drug trends and is committed to fostering strong collaborations between public health officials and first responders. This partnership is crucial for enhancing overdose response efforts and addressing the evolving challenges posed by today’s drug supply.
DHS prioritizes drug overdose prevention through comprehensive programs that encompass prevention, treatment, and recovery. Among these initiatives is the Wisconsin Suspected Overdose Alerts for Rapid Response (WiSOARR), a surveillance tool designed to aid local partners, including first responders. Additionally, DHS is investing an extra $1 million to support individuals transitioning from jail to the community, aiming to lower recidivism rates. A mobile response team, now in its second year, is also providing essential services, such as overdose prevention supplies and education. Technical assistance centers have been established to bolster local overdose prevention endeavors.
“As a result of these efforts, combined with the work our partners are doing at the local level, overdose deaths in Wisconsin decreased by 42.5% in 2023-2024,” commented Michelle Haese, director of substance use initiatives at DHS. “We are encouraged by this data—it tells us that what we are doing is working and to stay the course. And we need to look at ways to expand and innovate our programming.”
Looking ahead, the upcoming Wisconsin Substance Use Summit, set for August 5-6, 2026, in Green Bay, will showcase innovative approaches in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support. Interested individuals can join the event virtually or in-person. The agenda and registration details are available on the DHS website.
For further information on substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, visit the DHS website.
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