Opioid Deaths Are Dropping in Wisconsin, But State Still Has More Than 10 Times the Deaths Compared to 25 Years Ago

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 -- 1:01 PM

(Colleen Leahy, Wisconsin Public Radio) Although opioid overdose deaths have been dropping in Wisconsin since their peak in 2022, and fentanyl-related deaths specifically are dropping nationally, Wisconsin still has more than 10 times the opioid-related deaths than it did just 25 years ago.

According to Colleen Leahy with the Wisconsin Public Radio, Dr. Chris Eberlein, an emergency room physician in La Crosse, has seen the devastation up close.

“There are still people dying throughout our state and country every day from this epidemic, and truly, my condolences to those that have lost people in this,” said Eberlein, who works at Emplify Health, formerly Gunderson. “It’s impacted me, as well.”

More resources are on the way. Wisconsin will receive $21.8 million as part of a settlement with Kroger for the retailer’s role in the opioid crisis in the state. Kroger also agreed to monitor “suspicious activity” at its pharmacies.

The money from Kroger is part of the total $780 million Wisconsin will receive in settlement money through 2038 resulting from national litigation against different entities involved in perpetuating the opioid crisis.

Eberlein is also the co-founder of Alliance to Heal, a group in La Crosse that helps individuals suffering from opioid addiction. He is hopeful that the added funding will help the state continue to turn the tide.

But he noted that there’s a lot more work to be done and the resources came too late for many. “The money won’t bring them back, but it will hopefully help us so other people don’t suffer,” he said.

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