Wisconsin Allocates Over Half Million to Combat Opioid Crisis in Southeast Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) — More than a half-million is coming to the Milwaukee area to help save lives.   Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced yesterday recipients of the EMS Leave Behind Program, an effort funded by the state’s opioid settlement money.

The program allows emergency medical services professionals to distribute overdose prevention tools and resources at the scene of a call or after hospital transport. “Naloxone and fentanyl test strips prevent overdose deaths,” Kaul said.  

The effort is part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services‘ plan to use the state’s share of the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services  awarded $572,159 to 21 southeastern Wisconsin agencies for the program. Recipients include fire departments in Lake Geneva, Franklin, Racine, Greenfield, Kenosha, and Milwaukee, among others.

Wisconsin is set to receive over $750 million through 2038 from the national opioid settlement, with 30% earmarked for state government projects. The remaining funds will address local needs identified by county and municipal governments involved in the litigation.

Settlement funds are required to be used for prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services related to the opioid crisis.

Here’s a list of local departments on the receiving end. 

• City of Lake Geneva Fire Department – $6,990
• City of Franklin Fire Department – $11,916
• City of Greenfield Fire Department – $15,930
• City of Kenosha Fire Department – $6,656
• Menomonee Falls Fire Department – $7,990
• Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management – $40,916
• City of Milwaukee Fire Department – $123,995
• North Shore Fire and Rescue – $70,000
• City of Oak Creek Fire Department – $14,999
• City of Racine Fire Department – $40,493
• City of South Milwaukee Fire Department – $58,000