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For Immediate Release
August 30, 2024
Contact: Elizabeth Goodsitt/Jennifer Miller 608-266-1683
DHS to Mark International Overdose Awareness Day with New Investments to Reduce Drug Overdose Deaths
Strategies will focus on harm reduction services and supports
Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is highlighting new state efforts to end overdose deaths and improve the health of people who use drugs. This annual observance, as proclaimed by Gov. Tony Evers, is a day to remember those lost to drug overdose, acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and act to save lives.
"Too many of our family members, friends, and neighbors are dying due to an unsafe drug supply, with no community immune to the impacts of the overdose epidemic," said DHS Director of Substance Use Initiatives Michelle Haese. "Together we can make a difference by meeting people who use drugs where they're at in their life journey without judgement, just the support and tools they need to stay safe."
Drug overdoses decreased slightly nationally and in Wisconsin in 2023, the first decrease since 2018. Despite this, more than 1,700 fatal drug overdoses occurred in Wisconsin in 2023, an increase of 45% since 2018.
View the entire news release.
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