The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has received a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP). This funding will be used to implement the Wisconsin Deflection Initiative (WDI), which aims to improve access to substance use treatment across the state.
Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of making treatment more accessible, stating, “Making treatment more accessible is important not only for those struggling with substance-use disorder but for public safety as well.” He added that the grant would enhance efforts to combat addiction.
The WDI seeks to connect individuals dealing with substance use disorders to necessary treatment and support services before they reach a crisis point or become involved in the criminal justice system. The initiative involves collaboration between law enforcement, emergency services, and healthcare providers to create various pathways for accessing treatment within Wisconsin communities.
The grant will bolster efforts to link individuals with stabilization, treatment, and recovery services. By focusing on early intervention and appropriate care connections, the DOJ aims to disrupt addiction cycles and decrease criminal justice system involvement. Key elements of the initiative include self-referral programs, officer intervention initiatives, outreach to at-risk individuals, improved overdose response strategies, coordination between law enforcement and treatment providers, and comprehensive support services like mental health care.
The program will be rolled out across multiple jurisdictions in Wisconsin, targeting urban areas as well as tribal and rural communities. More information about the Wisconsin Deflection Initiative can be found by visiting their website.