MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – More state funding is now available for 50 counties across Wisconsin to fight the opioid crisis.

Wisconsin’s Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Program (TAD) has expanded to using $6.5 million every year. The program gives counties options for drug offenders such as entering court treatment programs as an alternative to going to jail or prison.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel made the announcement on Tuesday at the Waukesha County Courthouse. He says the bipartisan program helps keep people out of prison and helps them cope with their addictions. The program has been expanded several times over the last few years by approvals from the Wisconsin State Legislature.

“We finally recognize that we will not solve problems relating to a disease, substance abuse disorder, we will not solve those problems simply by locking a person up,” Schimel said.

In 2019, an outcome evaluation of the TAD program will be conducted.