Many teenagers dying from the drug aren’t addicted, says one mother who lost her son to fentanyl. ‘They’re taking pills to make themselves feel better.’ By Max Stapleton and Grace Friedman Wisconsin Watch Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit and nonpartisan newsroom. Subscribe to our newsletter to get our investigative stories and Friday news roundup. Clarification: This story has […]
Gov. Evers, AG Kaul Slam Republicans for Again Delaying Funds to Combat Opioid Epidemic
Anonymous GOP objection delays $6 million in settlement funds from pharmaceutical manufacturer and distributors for opioid and substance misuse prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programming Objection marks the second time in recent months Republicans have delayed release of funds to combat opioid abuse across Wisconsin MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of […]
‘These Deaths Only Tell Part of the Story’: County Leaders Sign Opioid Settlement Agreement
By Ana Martinez-Ortiz Over 500 people in Milwaukee County have died from opioid overdoses this year, and there are still a few days left to go. “Here are the facts,” Margaret Daun, the Milwaukee County corporation counsel, said during a press conference. “In 2002, Milwaukee County recorded 83 related to opioid abuse. This year, we […]
City Struggles to Find Solutions to Slow the High Pace of Drug Overdose Deaths
By Edgar Mendez Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Visit milwaukeenns.org. Rafael Mercado works on the front lines of the city’s battle against drug overdoses. And he’s not happy with what he’s seeing. “This […]
‘And now he’s gone’: Event Remembers Those Who Lost Their Battle with Opioid Addiction
By Edgar Mendez Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Visit milwaukeenns.org. UW-Milwaukee student Zachary Jones, 26, still remembers the call he got from his friend, Nate, last spring. “He said: ‘I’m gonna make this […]
Raising Awareness on the Financial Impact of the Opioid Epidemic
By Nyesha Stone In 2017, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared opioid abuse a public health emergency and estimated that 11.4 million Americans misused prescription opioids. Recent research by Virginia Tech’s Center for Gerontology and the Elder Justice Coalition identified a connection between opioid abuse and elder abuse, including financial exploitation. The […]
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Today, Can Help Fight Against the Opioid Crisis
By Nyesha Stone Today, April 27, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Because it only happens twice a year, many individuals don’t have a place to take their unused, unwanted and expired medications for months, according to Doug O’Brien, a regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (US HHS). He […]
Mayor Barrett Says Federal Aid Can Help Opioid Epidemic
By Ana Martinez-Ortiz In recent years, Milwaukee has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of opioid-related deaths. Of those who died, many struggled with addiction for years. While the obvious solution would be treatment at a rehab or detox center, the fact of the matter remains: rehab is not always an affordable option. Earlier […]
Ascension Wisconsin Receives Grant for Opioid Treatment Program
By Ana Martinez-Ortiz Over recent years, the use of opioids in Milwaukee has become a city-wide crisis. With the number of overdoses and deaths on the rise due to the use of narcotics, Ascension Wisconsin will be implementing a pilot program to combat the issue. Last month, Ascension Wisconsin announced at the City-County Heroin, Opioid […]