The Opioid Crisis: A Dose of Reality

Wednesday, April 14, 2021; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CST

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Prescription opioid painkiller abuse is a growing problem in the State of Wisconsin and nationally. It’s important to get your DOSE OF REALITY about the risks and dangers of using prescription narcotics, as well as the signs of abuse, before it becomes a problem for you or your loved ones. Join us to learn more about this public health crisis in Wisconsin.

The Opioid Crisis: A Dose of Reality brings expert partners together to examine Wisconsin’s growing opioid problem including its geographic distribution, how synthetic and prescription opioids have exacerbated the crisis, and examples of the social costs of opiate addiction.

Q&A will follow the presentation from the following panel members:

• Dr. David Galbis-Reig, Medical Director of Addiction Services – Ascension Wisconsin

• District Attorney Patricia Hanson, Racine County

• Sheriff Christopher Schmaling, Racine County

• Additional panelists from various Racine County Agencies

The program will also touch on the public information effort “A Dose of Reality” through the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. In conjunction with other state partners, these organizations are working to prevent prescription painkiller addiction by raising awareness of the crisis and clearly communicating the risks and dangers of prescription painkillers.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, preliminary numbers show that suspected opioid overdoses have increased 117% since the start of the pandemic in Wisconsin compared to the same time in 2019. As these numbers related to cases involving opiates continue to rise, we all need to work together to prevent painkiller abuse in Wisconsin.