MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has awarded nearly $9 million to 23 county agencies and five tribal agencies to provide treatment services for opioid use. 

Governor Tony Evers made the announcement Thursday, Jan. 14.

“Too many Wisconsinites, and their friends, family, and neighbors, have experienced the tragedies of harmful use of stimulants and opioids first hand,” Evers said. “It tears apart families, impacts our kids, and has affected every Wisconsin community in one way or another. I am glad we are able to get these critical funds out the door to provide treatment and hope for so many.”

The grant awards are based on the level of need for treatment services in the county or tribe and the types of treatment services to be provided, according to the governor's office.

“The problem use of opioids and stimulants is an epidemic in Wisconsin,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “These grant awards enable our county and tribal partners to expand access to help those who need it most, giving them hope and healing, as we continue our collective work to build healthy communities.”

The grant recipients are connecting people struggling with opioids to medication-assisted treatment as well as therapy and other support. 

More than 2,100 people are expected to receive treatment services as a result of these grant awards.

For information on treatment services in your community, connect with the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline by calling 211 or visiting addictionhelpwi.org.