Wisconsin Awarded $16.7 Million Federal Grant to Counter Addictions to Opioids and Stimulants
Funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery support services
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has received a $16.7 million federal grant to reduce drug-related deaths. It is the latest round of funding under the State Opioid Response Grant Program managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While opioids remain the primary focus, this program now supports services for stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine.
“We’re experiencing a drug addiction crisis that is affecting every community in our state,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “This grant funding allows us to target resources to the diverse needs of our communities through partnerships with state, tribal, county, and local agencies to connect people struggling with a drug addiction to the help they need while working to prevent harmful substance use and encouraging long-term recovery.”
The grant funding is available through September 2021, with an additional $16.7 million expected to be awarded next fall for the following year.
The stress, trauma, and uncertainty presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent events can lead to harmful substance use. To help Wisconsin residents cope with adversity, DHS launched Resilient Wisconsin in April. The resources include a directory of helplines, hotlines, and virtual support meetings for people struggling with any type of substance use.
Governor Evers has proclaimed September 2020 as Recovery Month in Wisconsin(link is external) to highlight that treatment for substance use concerns is effective and that people can and do recover.
The annual Rally for Recovery hosted by Wisconsin Voices for Recovery is September 26, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year’s event is virtual using Zoom. All are welcome to join in the celebration of the gains and successes of people in recovery and the service providers and others that make recovery possible. Visit the Wisconsin Voices for Recovery website for more information(link is external). DHS is a sponsor of this event.
The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline(link is external) connects people to resources to help overcome harmful substance use. Call 211 or 833-944-4673. The call is free and confidential.
More about the Opioid Crisis
- A Medication Rescue for Opioid Overdoses - Corri Hess - Feb 22nd, 2021
- State Receives $10 million in Opioid Crisis Settlement - Jenny Peek - Feb 5th, 2021
- AG Kaul, Gov Evers Announce $573 Million Multistate Agreement with McKinsey & Company for “Turbocharging” the Opioid Epidemic with Purdue Pharma - Josh Kaul - Feb 4th, 2021
- Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Nearly $9 Million Awarded for Drug Treatment Services - Gov. Tony Evers - Jan 14th, 2021
- AG Kaul, Bipartisan AGs Push FDA to Examine Progress in Opioid Fight - Josh Kaul - Jan 11th, 2021
- Milwaukee County Surpasses Last Year’s Record Overdose Deaths - Edgar Mendez - Nov 27th, 2020
- Overdose Responders Struggle Against Rising Deaths - Edgar Mendez - Nov 20th, 2020
- Wisconsin Drug Take Back Collection 1st in the Country; Collects Nearly 90,000 lbs. of Unwanted Medications to Fight the Opioid Epidemic - Josh Kaul - Nov 9th, 2020
- Gov. Evers, DSPS Secretary-designee Crim Announce Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Awarded Nearly $2 Million Grant - Gov. Tony Evers - Nov 2nd, 2020
- AG Kaul Announces Updated Settlement with Opioid Manufacturer Mallinckrodt - Josh Kaul - Oct 13th, 2020
Read more about Opioid Crisis here
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Health Services
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Mar 1st, 2021 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesThird FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective
DHS Announces Groups Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine on March 1
Feb 25th, 2021 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesPeople 65+, teachers, and child care workers will be prioritized