More tools for fighting drug addiction in Wisconsin

Opioid and other drug addiction remains prevalent in Wisconsin. But it is not because of a lack of effort to prevent it. Wisconsin, and La Crosse in particular, has taken a lead among states in battling addiction. In recent years, new laws were signed allowing police and first responders to carry NARCAN to reverse drug overdoses among heroin users. That has helped save countless lives in La Crosse and statewide. The local heroin task force has worked hard to battle drug addiction and provide the tools necessary to do so. Now, Governor Tony Evers has signed a series of bills into law, all designed to combat drug addiction. Evers signed the bills yesterday during a stop at La Crosse’s Coulee Recovery Center. The bills the Governor signed are the result of bipartisan agreement among lawmakers in Madison, who realize drug addiction is not a republican or democratic issue. The new laws provide more medical assisted treatment in our jails. It requires the registration of recovery residences. They extend the successful Prescription Drug Monitoring Program for another five years. And the new laws allow for peer recovery coaches to be reimbursed through the state’s Medical Assistance Program. While drug addiction remains a problem, it is good that our lawmakers are designating state resources to try to combat the problem of drug addiction. There is more work to be done, but this is a stop in the right direction in keeping our families and communities healthy and safe.