Wisconsin Health News

Wisconsin will receive $10 million over the next five years to fight the opioid epidemic, thanks to an initiative that’s expanding into the state. 

The Bloomberg Opioids Overdose Prevention Initiative launched in Michigan and Pennsylvania in 2018. It’s now moving into Wisconsin, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico and North Carolina. 

“The coronavirus pandemic has only underscored the crisis we are facing in our state and country with the opioid epidemic, as opioid-related deaths last year exceeded 1,000 in a single year in Wisconsin for the first time,” Gov Tony Evers said in a statement. “It’s more critical than ever that we get folks support."

The initiative aims to scale existing efforts, implement new programs and advocate for federal policies to expand treatment access and harm reduction policies. It’ll support technical assistance, direct services and staff at government agencies.

The program's expansion is funded by a $120 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Johns Hopkins University, the Pew Charitable Trusts and Vital Strategies are partners.