Milwaukee Fire, Health Departments form collaboration to fight opioid overdose deaths

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A new collaboration between the Milwaukee Fire and Health Departments was announced on Friday.

The Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths by looking at trends, streamlining access to treatment and education.

Overdose response teams will also work with individuals and their families to provide support and treatment.

The collaboration will run a pilot program in the city’s 12th district, the area with the highest opioid deaths last year.

“We want to start small, figure out what we’re doing wrong, be nimble and then expand,” Milwaukee Fire Department Captain Michael Wright said.

The pilot program is expected to get underway next month.