This week, the Department of Health Services (DHS) held a two-day forum in Milwaukee focusing on life-saving strategies to address the opioid crisis in Wisconsin.

DHS Opioid Initiatives Director Paul Krupski started off the event with opening remarks, followed by motivational speaker Tony Hoffman, who discussed breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health. Attendees then met for several breakout sessions on topics ranging from impact on families, naturopathic approaches to recovery, fatality reviews, trauma-informed care, and community collaboration.

The second day of the event began with remarks from Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and Attorney General Brad Schimel. Attendees also heard from DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services Administrator Patrick Cork and Douglas O’Brien from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Thursday’s keynote speech was from Captain Jeffrey Coady of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Tara Kunkel of the U.S. Department of Justice. Breakout session topics included Vermont’s integrated approach to medication assisted treatment, Wisconsin’s prescription drug monitoring program, and the Cops Assisting Addiction recovery program.

DHS also announced Thursday four $250,000 grants to support the expansion of medication-assisted treatment in Wisconsin.

Watch recordings of presentations from the event.

More on Wisconsin’s efforts to address the opioid crisis.