Wisconsin Invests $31 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds to Expand Treatment and Prevention

Wisconsin is doubling down on its fight against the opioid crisis with a $31 million investment from opioid settlement funds over the next two years. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the comprehensive plan in April 2026, targeting prevention, treatment access, and recovery support across the state—including significant resources for tribal nations and rural communities.

The investment comes as Wisconsin celebrates a historic 42.5% decline in opioid overdose deaths, dropping from 1,422 deaths in 2023 to 817 in 2024. While this progress is significant, state officials emphasize that continued investment remains critical to sustain momentum and reach those still struggling with opioid use disorder.

Breaking Down the $31 Million Investment

The DHS plan allocates funds across eleven strategic priorities, reflecting input from public surveys, partner listening sessions, and data analysis. Here's where the money is going:

Supporting Tribal Nations: $9 Million

The largest single allocation—$9 million—goes to Wisconsin's tribal nations, whose communities continue to face disproportionate impacts from the opioid crisis. This funding recognizes the unique challenges tribal communities face and supports culturally appropriate prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

Removing Treatment Barriers: $6.5 Million

A critical $6.5 million addresses a major gap in residential treatment access: room and board costs for Medicaid members. Federal law prohibits Medicaid from reimbursing residential substance use disorder treatment providers for room and board expenses—a barrier that DHS identifies as "the primary reason Medicaid members do not enroll in this level of treatment."

Already, $3 million has been awarded to agencies serving seven tribal nations and 66 counties for 2026. Counties receiving significant awards include Milwaukee ($736,812), Dane ($282,757), and Brown ($154,610), with smaller rural counties receiving proportionally meaningful support.

Prevention and Harm Reduction: $6.5 Million

The plan dedicates $3.5 million to overdose and infectious disease prevention, including naloxone distribution programs that have proven effective in reversing overdoses. An additional $3 million funds prevention efforts in K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions, after-school programs, and community agencies—reaching young people before substance use begins.

Supporting Families: $3.5 Million

Recognizing that addiction affects entire families, DHS allocated $2 million for pregnant and parenting women who need substance use treatment, and $500,000 for family-centered treatment programs. Another $1 million supports families enrolled in the Birth to 3 Program who need prevention and recovery services—addressing the critical early childhood period.

Law Enforcement and Provider Training: $3 Million

The plan includes $2 million in law enforcement grants—already partially distributed to 16 county sheriff's offices and one tribal police department—and $1 million for provider training on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). An additional $500,000 supports pharmacy training and technical assistance.

Recovery Support: $1.5 Million

$1 million funds recovery coalitions with a focus on family supports, while $500,000 supports other recovery initiatives—helping ensure that treatment leads to lasting recovery.

The Bigger Picture: Wisconsin's Opioid Settlement

Wisconsin is due to receive more than $874 million in total funding from 2022 through 2038 from litigation against pharmaceutical distributors, manufacturers, and pharmacies. Under 2021 Wisconsin Act 57, 70% of funds go to the 87 local governments that participated in litigation, with the state receiving 30%.

As of March 31, 2026, DHS had received approximately $90 million in state-managed opioid settlement funds. The current $31 million investment represents the state's share for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 ($14.5 million and $16.5 million respectively).

What This Means for Families

For Wisconsin families affected by opioid use disorder, this investment translates to tangible improvements in access to care:

If your loved one needs residential treatment: The room and board funding removes a significant financial barrier that previously prevented many Medicaid recipients from accessing residential care. Contact your county health department to learn about available support.

If you're concerned about overdose: Expanded naloxone distribution means more community members can access this life-saving medication. Many pharmacies and community organizations offer naloxone at no cost.

If you're a parent or pregnant: Specialized programs for pregnant and parenting women provide treatment options that keep families together while addressing substance use.

If you live in a tribal community: The significant investment in tribal nation programs ensures culturally appropriate services are available. Contact your tribal health department for information about specific programs.

Looking Ahead

DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson emphasized the life-saving impact of these investments: "This funding has saved lives in Wisconsin. We have made significant investments in every corner of the state to fill the gaps and connect communities with the resources people need, when and where they need them."

Attorney General Josh Kaul echoed this commitment: "The work being done with opioid settlement funds is having a real impact. We must work to continue the decline in opioid-related overdose deaths in Wisconsin."

The state will continue publishing quarterly reports on fund distribution and outcomes, maintaining transparency as Wisconsin works toward its goal of ending the opioid crisis.

Where to Get Help in Wisconsin

If you or a loved one needs help with opioid use disorder:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral
• Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline: 211 or 833-944-4673 — Local resources and support
• FindTreatment.gov: Search for treatment providers by location and service type
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 — Free, 24/7 crisis support

For more information about Wisconsin's opioid settlement fund investments, visit the Wisconsin DHS Opioid Settlement Funds page.