GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Brown County is sharing the progress it has made in its fight against fentanyl and opioid misuse.
On Wednesday, officials spoke about the steps the county has taken and shared future initiatives it has in the works.
Brown County executive Troy Steckenbach says the numbers are better than they were but not where they need to be.
Since 2022, when county leaders declared fentanyl a community health crisis, officials have worked to create awareness and provide resources surrounding the dangerous opioid and fentanyl crisis. The Brown County Public Health Department also established a task force to develop action plans around prevention, response and recovery.
Since the declaration, Brown County has expanded offerings for substance abuse and mental health needs, as well as detoxification services and access to sober living environments, made Narcan and medication lock boxes available and hosted regular drug takeback events.
In 2023, Brown County received funding to support their campaign from Wisconsin’s share of a settlement stemming from a multistate lawsuit accusing drug manufacturers and distributors of contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis.
Wisconsin received about $324.3 million, with 30% going to the state and 70% going to county governments.
Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain says his department is using opioid settlement funds toward additional tools, training, personnel and investigative resources to pursue those who illegally distributing opioids in Brown County. He says when deputies or first responders encounter an individual who appears to be struggling with addiction, they connect that individual with recovery resources available to them through the Brown County health department.
According to the CDC, fentanyl-related overdose deaths have dropped 22% nationwide from 2024 to 2025.
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