Wisconsin Department of Health Services Continue to Fight Opioid Epidemic

Friday, May 10th, 2024 -- 11:01 AM

(WBAY) Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services continues to fight what experts call an opioid epidemic in Wisconsin and around the country.

More than 900 people will attend the 2024 Opioids, Stimulants and Trauma Summit in Wisconsin Dells this week. It’s the state’s largest annual event focused on how trauma and substance abuse intersect. Michelle Haese is the director of substance abuse initiatives for the DHS.

She says in 2022 alone, more than 1,400 people in Wisconsin died from opioid poisoning. “We recognize that there is no amount of money, no conference, no discussion will ever replace those souls that we have lost. However, we can come together to create and share better outcomes for the future,” Haese said.

She said fentanyl, which is a more potent and deadly opioid, continues to have a strong presence in the drug supply. She added the DHS is keeping a close eye on other substances that may be introduced.

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