Rock County, Wisconsin is actively engaged in the fight against the opioid epidemic, which has had a profound impact on both the economy and society. The Rock County Public Health Department is at the forefront of these efforts, working closely with the community to find solutions.

Significant Funding and Its Impact

Rock County received a substantial $8 million from the National Opioid Settlement in late 2023. This significant amount will support community resources for the next 18 years, providing a much-needed boost to the area. Wisconsin as a whole received over $750 million from the settlement funds, with Rock County benefiting greatly from this.

Allocating Funds for Sober Living

$1.3 million of the settlement funds is allocated to be spent over 2024 and 2025. This has led to the addition of four additional sober living houses in Rock County. Public health strategist Shari Faber explains, "In our first round of funding, we allocated funds for grants for sober living. This has made a real difference in providing support for those in recovery."

These sober living houses offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking to overcome addiction. They provide a place where people can focus on their recovery and receive the necessary support to stay on the path to sobriety.

The availability of these additional sober living houses is a crucial step in addressing the opioid epidemic in Rock County. It gives those in need a chance to start their journey to recovery in a stable and nurturing environment.

Increasing Access to Treatment and Other Services

The county has also been able to increase access to treatment, expand substance use assessments, and provide safe disposal packets. Inmates being released now have access to medication for opioid use disorder.

Brenda Endthoff, a substance use disorder coordinator at Rock County Human Services, emphasizes the importance of these services. "Stigma has been a major barrier for the recovery community. By providing these services and making them more accessible, we are helping to break down those barriers and encourage people to seek help."

Expanding access to treatment and other services is essential in the fight against the opioid epidemic. It ensures that those who need help can get the support they require to overcome addiction and lead healthy lives.

Involving the Community in Funding Utilization

Now, county leaders are turning to the community for its input on how to utilize the next round of funding. This shows the importance of community involvement in addressing this issue.

Those who attended the town hall on Tuesday night stressed the need for easier ways for people to find help in their community. As Brenda Endthoff explains, "How we can use navigators and United Way 211 to help people access care is really important. We need to make it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need."

Involving the community in the decision-making process ensures that the funding is used in a way that meets the needs of the community. It allows for a more collaborative approach to addressing the opioid epidemic and finding effective solutions.

The settlement money will continue to flow into Rock County's health resources through 2038, providing a long-term commitment to combating the opioid epidemic. In addition to the town halls, Rock County also plans to host several focus groups involving those impacted by the opioid epidemic. This shows the county's dedication to addressing this issue and working towards a better future.