Opioid Overdoses Skyrocket During Pandemic
Opioid overdoses are up 117 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
COVID-19 is compounding drug and alcohol problems across Wisconsin, with opioid overdoses increasing by 117 percent since the start of the pandemic compared to the same time in 2019, according to preliminary Department of Health Services data.
A state lawmaker from LaCrosse said if the current trajectory continues, her area will certainly surpass last year’s total number of overdoses.
“Like other parts of the state, as people are suffering from the stressors of COVID (and) isolation, we’re seeing more issues with misuse and abuse. That also includes alcohol with more people coming to emergency rooms,” said Rep. Jill Billings during an Aug. 7 meeting for the State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.
The DHS released the preliminary data from emergency departments in late July showing there were 325 suspected opioid overdoses during a period from March to July, compared to 150 suspected overdoses during the same period in 2019.
“I think it’s because people are afraid to get the help they need because of the COVID virus, and unfortunately we’re losing a lot of precious souls out there,” said Kevin Florek, the CEO of Tellurian and a member of the council.
The facility has ramped up telehealth so patients can get counseling virtually. In other parts of the state, that’s not possible due to the lack of sufficient broadband.
“We do not have high-speed internet in many areas outside the city limits, so Zoom meetings are not an option,” explained Terry Schemenauer, a council member from Ashland.
Those with substance abuse disorder or mental health issues include the homeless. Council member Sen. Janet Bewley, D-Mason, is concerned those now living outside won’t be able to do so when temperatures drop.
“When winter comes, many of them will die,” she said.
Bewley expressed doubt that Congress would provide more federal money through a second relief bill to address homelessness and addiction, leaving the problem to local and state governments that have seen finances plummet with the pandemic.
Drug And Alcohol Use Up During Coronavirus Pandemic, DHS Data Suggests was published by Wisconsin Public Radio.
More about the Opioid Crisis
- Law Enforcement Agencies Awarded Grants from State Opioid Settlement Funds - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Apr 18th, 2024
- MKE County: County Wins Award for Opioid Settlement Fund Usage - Graham Kilmer - Apr 4th, 2024
- MKE County: County Offering $2.8 Million For Opioid Addiction Programs - Graham Kilmer - Mar 28th, 2024
- Senator Baldwin Calls on House to Pass Bill that Cracks Down on Fentanyl Traffickers - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Feb 15th, 2024
- Attorney General Josh Kaul announces $350 million settlement with marketing firm over its role in opioid epidemic - Wisconsin Department of Justice - Feb 1st, 2024
- Grants Will Fund Recovery Housing For Those Facing Homelessness and Battling Opioids - Margaret Faust - Jan 12th, 2024
- Baldwin Helps Advance Bipartisan Bill to Address Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Dec 14th, 2023
- DHS and DOJ Announce Dose of Reality Roundtable Discussions on Wisconsin’s Opioid Epidemic - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Dec 6th, 2023
- Limited Supply of Narcan Prevents Milwaukee Groups From Saving Lives - Edgar Mendez - Dec 1st, 2023
- MUPD, Wisconsin Voices for Recovery partner to install Nalox-ZONE boxes on Marquette campus - Marquette University - Oct 12th, 2023
Read more about Opioid Crisis here