Opioid crisis: Milwaukee Co. officials announce $11M to combat epidemic, unveil free Narcan vending machines

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Local officials announced Monday that $11 million will be allocated toward helping combat the ongoing opioid epidemic across Milwaukee County. 

"In Milwaukee County, someone dies of an opioid overdose every 16 hours, and these people are young, the average age is 44 years old," said Dr. Ben Weston, the county chief health policy advisor. 

Health officials alongside Milwaukee Co. Executive David Crowley signed the "Opioid Settlement Fund Bill," which includes 15 projects and dozens of "Harm Reduction Vending Machines" that will be installed across the area. 

"Milwaukee County has been on the front lines of this battle, pursuing relief through the court system for years, and today we are taking the next step in unlocking desperately needed funds," Crowley added.

The first vending machine was unveiled at the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center.

The items, free of charge to the public, include fentanyl test strips, nasal Narcan, medication deactivation pouches, lock bags, and gun locks.

Officials hope to increase the survival rate and help those who are suffering recover from their addiction.

According to the Milwaukee Co. Medical Examiner's Office, in 2021, 644 drug overdose deaths were reported. In addition, 579 drug deaths were recorded in 2022, with 100 cases still pending.

A similar idea was unleashed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee when the campus announced last year they would install free Narcan boxes to help with fentanyl-related overdoses.

"You look at the boxes, there's only two doses in a box, and for students, you know, they look at it, they're like 'oh, I'm not going to take it, I'm not going to bring it home with me because someone else may need it more'," said Bailee Jones.

Jones is a senior at UWM, she said she's been heavily involved in opioid advocacy through student government work, and she foresees the vending machines having even more success.

"If we were to get, like, a vending machine, I think students would see that and be like, 'there's an abundance of it,'" she said.

Milwaukee's 13th District Supervisor Priscilla Coggs-Jones said this is a start.

"The harm reduction vending machines does not condone drug use, rather they recognize the reality that many people will continue to use drugs regardless of the legality of the risk involved," she said.