WCA Commends Governor Walker for Actions to Fight Heroin/Opioid Abuse

Counties Ready to Continue Fight for State’s Most Vulnerable Citizens

As Wisconsin counties in every corner of the state are feeling the impact of increased heroin and opioid addiction, the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) is commending Governor Scott Walker and the Governor’s Task Force on Opioid Abuse for the release of today’s report and the announcement of a special session to combat the scourge of these drugs.

“The increased incidences of heroin and opioid use across the state are having a staggering effect on families. Counties are seeing its horrible impact on the street, in our jails, our courts and on our most vulnerable citizens – young children,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. “As an example, county human services departments across Wisconsin are seeing increased out-of-home placement costs as parents struggling with addiction are unable to safely care for their children. WCA has prioritized child welfare services over the past year and is appreciative today’s report acknowledges this growing challenge.”

Today’s report includes many recommendations that will assist counties in fighting substance abuse. This includes addition treatment, alternative, and diversion (TAD) funding, new dollars for innovative community coalitions, additional training dollars, and new data analytics to assist counties in targeting abuse prevention and treatment dollars.

“Our state is in the midst of a public health crisis and we look forward to working with Governor Walker, Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch, Representative Nygren and the entire Legislature in the upcoming special session to address this epidemic,” said O’Connell. “Today’s announcement and initiatives will go a long way in continuing this battle.”