Department of Health Services Reporting Decline in Opioid Deaths

Opioid deaths are at their lowest level since 2015 according to the most recent data collected by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. According to the data from DHS’s Data Direct: Opioids dashboards show that an estimated 1 in 6 Wisconsin adults were prescribed and used an opioid in the past year, with the top reasons for opioid prescriptions were for pain related to surgeries and back pain. The number of opioid-related deaths in Wisconsin in 2018 was 838, according to data reported as of June 30, which is a 10% decrease from 2017. DHS Director of Opioid Initiatives Paul Krupski said that while this is great news, “We are continuing to invest in prevention and harm reduction programs, expand access to treatment, and support for individuals and families in their journey to long-term recovery through partnerships with tribal governments, other state agencies, county agencies, and community organizations.”