Funding will be used to battle opioid misuse

Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health has invested $700,000, in 31 communities across Wisconsin, to address the negative impact of opioid and stimulant misuse, including Chippewa County Health Communities.

The funds, which come from Wisconsin Department of Health Services opioid response and opioid settlement funds, are dispersed through the Northwoods Coalition. Formed through a partnership between Marshfield Clinic and several community coalitions in 1995, Northwoods Coalition is the largest and oldest network of coalitions, dedicated to substance use prevention in Wisconsin, serving 34 counties and 11 Wisconsin Tribal Nations.

The investment in the 31 communities is part of the Northwoods Coalition’s plan to fight the opioid epidemic, through evidence-based prevention and harm reduction strategies. Wisconsin, like many other states, has been significantly affected by the opioid crisis.

“The human, societal and financial toll the opioid crisis has in our communities is tragic,” said Jay Shrader, vice president of community impact and social accountability. “This funding is vital and is one small, but important step, in supporting our communities in our ongoing battle against opioid and stimulant misuse. Our communities and community partners are on the frontline, and know how to best use these funds in their communities.”

Funding supports evidence-based practices like drug takeback events, naloxone distribution, sharps disposal events, community awareness and anti-stigma campaigns, and drug checking technology distribution (fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips).

Communities also can participate in an opioid academy, led by world-renowned training organization, CADCA, a non-profit organization committed to creating safe, healthy and drug-free communities. The goal of this training academy is to help coalitions create plans for implementing evidence-based practices in their communities, using opioid settlement dollars.