Governor Walker Announces Members of the Task Force on Opioid Abuse
Group to hold its first meeting on October 28 in Green Bay
Madison – In response to Wisconsin’s opioid overdose epidemic, Governor Scott Walker today announced the members of the Task Force on Opioid Abuse that was created under Executive Order #214.
“I appreciate the commitment task force members are making to help Wisconsin end this public health crisis, which is claiming lives and hurting families in our state,” Governor Walker said. “Each member of the task force brings a unique perspective and will work together to help Wisconsin solve this serious issue.”
The Task Force members include:
- Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Co-Chair
- Representative John Nygren, Co-Chair
- Attorney General Brad Schimel
- Secretary Jon Litscher, Department of Corrections
- Secretary Dave Ross, Department of Safety and Professional Services
- Deputy Secretary Tom Engels, Department of Health Services
- Deputy Commissioner J.P. Wieske, Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
- Senator Leah Vukmir
- Senator Janet Bewley
- Representative Jill Billings
- Sheriff Reg Gill, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department
- Judge William Domina, Waukesha County Circuit Court
- John Weitekamp, R.P.H., Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin
- Joan Coffman, Wisconsin Hospital Association
- Dr. Nameeta Dookeran, Wisconsin Medical Society
- Dr. Tim Westlake, Wisconsin State Coalition for Prescription Drug Abuse Reduction
- Joan Mack, R.N., Director, C.A.R.E
- Jesse Heffernan, Helios Addiction Recovery Services
- Heather VanZanile, Forest County Potowatomi
- Jen Rombalski, La Crosse County Health Department
In 2014, more Wisconsin residents died from drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes, and the number of drug overdose deaths in the state doubled from 2004 to 2014. Prescription opioid pain relievers contributed to 47 percent of the 843 drug overdose deaths in 2014, while heroin contributed to 32 percent.
“While we’ve made great strides to combat opioid abuse in Wisconsin, this task force is a unified effort to help end opioid abuse and overdoses in our state,” Governor Walker said.
The Task Force will hold its first meeting on Friday, October 28 from 1:00PM – 4:00PM at the Aurora BayCare Sports Medicine Center in Green Bay.
Office of the Governor Scott Walker
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.
More about the Opioid Crisis
- Serenity Inns Opens New Addiction Treatment Center in Milwaukee - Serenity Inns - Aug 14th, 2024
- MKE County: County Nearly Doubles Narcan Vending Machines - Graham Kilmer - Aug 12th, 2024
- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Announces Placement of Eight Additional Harm Reduction Vending Machines - County Executive David Crowley - Aug 12th, 2024
- Milwaukee’s Native Community Faces Surge in Opioid Deaths - Trisha Young - Jul 8th, 2024
- MKE County: County Awards $2.8 Million To Non-Profit Opioid Programs - Graham Kilmer - Jul 2nd, 2024
- MKE County: County To Get $3 Million From Kroger In Opioid Settlement - Graham Kilmer - Jul 1st, 2024
- Court Decision Holds Up Wisconsin’s $70 Million Drug Settlement - Sarah Lehr - Jul 1st, 2024
- MKE County: Opioid Settlement Will Fund 7 New, Expanded Abatement Efforts - Graham Kilmer - Jun 28th, 2024
- Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds - Erik Gunn - May 8th, 2024
- Baldwin Announces Over $17.7 Million to Tackle Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis in Wisconsin - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - May 7th, 2024
Read more about Opioid Crisis here
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