Kenosha County is moving forward in its fight against opioid addiction, reshaping how it tackles the epidemic. In a statement released by Kenosha County, Executive Samantha Kerkman announced the disbandment of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Panel, which had been dedicated to formulating a strategic use of funds from pharmaceutical settlements. The panel's closure marks a transition toward community-level action and a shift from planning to execution in addressing the crisis.
Following an extensive research initiative, which concluded earlier this year, the panel has set the stage for Kenosha's next phase. "With the research conducted and recommendations in hand, the panel leaders and I are considering its work to be done, with our time now best spent on pursuing programming and services that will make a difference in curbing the overdose epidemic," Kerkman told Kenosha County. Collaboration remains a key theme as the panel hands over the reins to local agencies and organizations.
Streamlining the approach, the work continues with a clear focus on priority areas identified by the research, such as housing, transportation, and job assistance. According to Kenosha County Board Supervisor Guida Brown, "Disbanding the committee will streamline efforts to combat opioid misuse, addiction and overdoses." This recalibration aims to facilitate a more direct and cohesive response to the opioid dilemma plaguing the community.
Signs of progress are already emerging, painting a cautiously optimistic future. Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services Director Kari Foss noted a decline in overdose deaths by 27 percent year over year from 2023 to 2024, mirroring national trends. In a testament to the collective action, "Wisconsin again led the nation in total pounds of medications collected during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day," Foss highlighted in a statement obtained by Kenosha County. The county itself saw significant collection efforts with 2,182 pounds of medications turned in.
Emphasis is also placed on pragmatic measures, with Sheriff David Zoerner explaining the panel's role in recommending investments in community health. "The panel got us off to a great start," Zoerner remarked to Kenosha County, looking ahead to the implementation of strategies such as peer support training and school-based curricula. The assembled research and the continued updates to the online dashboard are crucial to informing the public and stakeholders on the impact of the allocated settlement dollars.
After the panel’s disbandment, Kenosha County is moving forward with a transition plan based on its finalized recommendations to address opioid abuse. The county is now focusing on implementing local strategies aimed at improving public health and reducing the impact of opioids in the community.
