Milwaukee County Awards $2M in Grants for ‘Better Ways to Cope’ Projects
The new projects focus on prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction
MILWAUKEE—Today, the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) announced the selection of 10 organizations to receive $2 million in grants as part of the “Better Ways To Cope” initiative. These organizations will be part of a 24-month Better Ways To Cope grantee cohort beginning on July 21, 2026. They will lead innovative prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction efforts across Milwaukee County. Funding for this cohort is made possible through Milwaukee County’s allocation of opioid settlement funds.
“Every life lost to the opioid epidemic is a tragedy, and every life saved is a reason to keep fighting. That’s why my administration is investing opioid settlement dollars directly in community organizations that are on the ground every day preventing substance use, expanding treatment and recovery, advancing harm reduction, and saving lives,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Together, we are turning these resources into hope, healing, and a healthier future for Milwaukee County.”
The selection process was highly competitive with 47 organizations submitting applications for funding. The strong response reflects the commitment of organizations across the community to advancing prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction. BHS recognizes and appreciates the time, innovation, and dedication demonstrated by all applicants and looks forward to continuing to engage community partners in this important work.
“We are very excited to award grants to this diverse group of community-based organizations to help us continue the work of preventing death from overdose and connecting people to resources and services to help them on their recovery journey,” said Jennifer Wittwer, Director, BHS Community Access to Recovery Services. “This newest round of grantees will build on the success of existing programs and services bringing innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery.”
Each of the following 2026 Better Ways To Cope grantees will receive $200,000, 24-month grants:
- Cudahy Health Department,
- Milwaukee Turners – Prevention
- Mental Health America of Wisconsin
- Community Center for Immigrants
- ProSay (Our Community)
- Inner Beauty Center
- Benedict Center
- United Community Center – Treatment
- Great Lakes Dryhootch
- Manna Behavioral Services
These organizations represent a diverse network of community leaders and service providers committed to improving health and wellness of residents in Milwaukee County.
Since its inception in 2021, Better Ways To Cope has been instrumental in regranting substance abuse prevention funds to community-based programs. Leveraging this successful track record, Milwaukee County DHHS BHS is poised to further its impact by directing resources toward transformative initiatives aimed at tackling challenges related to the opioid epidemic and substance use disorder.
Better Ways to Cope has invested in community-driven solutions that address substance use and mental health challenges while reducing stigma and increasing access to support services. Through education, outreach, and strategic partnerships, the initiative continues to strengthen communities across Milwaukee County. Community members are encouraged to follow Better Ways To Cope for updates, success stories, training opportunities, and resources as these organizations begin implementing their funded initiatives. For more information, visit BetterWaysToCope.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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