MADISON – The U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs announced awards of more than $333 million to help communities affected by the opioid crisis on Friday, December 13. In the Western District of Wisconsin, $8,498,212 will help public safety and public health professionals combat substance abuse and respond effectively to overdoses.
“The opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug crisis this country has ever faced,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. ‘“The Department of Justice is committed to using all means available to bring drug traffickers to justice, disrupt the supply chain, support our law enforcement officers, and help the victims.”
“The opioid crisis has destroyed far too many lives and left too many Americans feeling helpless and hopeless,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “This epidemic—the most deadly in our nation’s history—is introducing new dangers and loading public health responsibilities onto the public safety duties of our law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice is here to support them during this unprecedented and extremely challenging time.”
With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related overdoses every day, the Department of Justice has made fighting addiction to opioids—including heroin and fentanyl—a national priority. The Trump Administration is providing critical funding for a wide range of activities—from preventive services and comprehensive treatment to recovery assistance, forensic science services and research—to help save lives and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
“In Wisconsin, thousands are struggling with addiction, hundreds have died from overdoses, and too many families have been devastated by opioids,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “These grant funds will allow our communities to continue to combat this epidemic through education, community outreach, and treatment.”
The awards announced on Friday, December 13 support an array of activities designed to reduce the harm inflicted by these dangerous drugs. Grants will help law enforcement officers, emergency responders and treatment professionals coordinate their response to overdoses. Funds will also provide services for children and youth affected by the crisis and will support the nationwide network of drug and treatment courts. Other awards will address prescription drug abuse, expand the capacity of forensic labs and support opioid-related research.
The following awards were made to organizations in the Western District of Wisconsin:
Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-Based Program – Category 1
Category 1 grants are designed to encourage and support the development of comprehensive, locally driven responses to the opioid epidemic that expand access to supervision, treatment and recovery support services across the criminal justice system; support law enforcement and other first responder diversion programs for non-violent drug offenders; promote education and prevention activities; and address the needs of children impacted by the opioid epidemic. All projects are expected to involve multiple agencies and partners.
• City of Madison: $1,200,000
• Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians: $551,170
• Juneau County: $600,000
Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-Based Program – Category 2
Category 2 is designed to support states in their efforts to implement, enhance or evaluate effective opioid-related efforts within the criminal justice system.
• Wisconsin Department of Justice: $5,000,000
Adult Drug Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts Program – Category 1
Category 1 grants are for the implementation of new drug courts.
• Juneau County: $500,000
Family Drug Court Program
This program is designed to build the capacity of state and local courts to sustain existing family drug courts or establish new ones. These courts serve parents who require treatment for a substance abuse disorder and who are involved with the child welfare system as a result of child abuse, neglect or other parenting issues.
• Barron County: $646,951
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
