DHS Announces Plan to Invest $31 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced its plan for its annual share of $794 million in opioid settlement funds coming to Wisconsin, including participating subdivisions. As a result of settlements reached by the Wisconsin Department of Justice with major pharmaceutical distributors, manufacturers, and pharmacies, Wisconsin received $14.5 million in 2025 and will receive approximately $16.5 million this year. DHS will use the funds for lifesaving strategies to support prevention programming, reduce overdose deaths and the spread of infectious disease, increase access to treatment, and invest in recovery services.

“This funding has saved lives in Wisconsin,” said Kirsten Johnson, DHS Secretary. “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 saw a historic 42.5% decline in opioid overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024, dropping from 1,422 to 817 deaths. While this progress is significant, the misuse of opioids continues to claim lives and devastate families and communities across the state. These settlement funds represent an ongoing, strategic investment in building on what is working and reaching those still in need.

“The work being done with opioid settlement funds is having a real impact,” said Attorney General Kaul. “We must work to continue the decline in opioid-related overdose deaths in Wisconsin.”

The DHS plan reflects Wisconsin’s commitment to sustain efforts that are working, grow programs that are demonstrating success, and prioritize people who are facing the greatest barriers. DHS developed the plan with input from public surveys, partner listening sessions, and a review of current data and existing programs.

The plan includes:

• $9 million for Tribal nations in Wisconsin whose members continue to be impacted by opioids
• $6.5 million for room and board for Medicaid members seeking residential substance use disorder treatment
• $3.5 million for overdose and infectious disease prevention, like naloxone distribution
• $3 million for prevention efforts in K-12, post-secondary, after-school, and community agencies
• $2 million for law enforcement grants
• $2 million for pregnant and parenting women who need substance use treatment
• $2 million for families enrolled in the Birth to 3 Program who need prevention and recovery services
• $1 million for providers to receive training on medications for opioid use disorder
• $1 million for recovery coalitions with a focus on family supports
• $500,000 for pharmacy training and support
• $500,000 for family-centered treatment

DHS has already released $3 million in room and board funding to agencies serving seven Tribal nations and 66 counties, and $1 million in law enforcement grants to 16 county sheriff’s offices and one Tribal police department. More information about who received funding, how much, and previous projects funded can be found on the DHS opioid settlement funds webpage.

DHS will highlight work to build healthy communities through substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services and supports at the inaugural Wisconsin Substance Use Summit, August 5-6, in Green Bay and virtually. The event is open to the public to attend.

Anyone needing help finding services and supports for a substance use concern can connect with trained resource specialists at the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery by calling 211 or 833-944-4673, texting a ZIP code to 898211, or chatting at addictionhelpwi.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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