Resolution to Commit for Use of County Opioid Settlement Funds to Support a Grant Match Requirement for the Vital Strategies Request for Application.

Resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Sauk County, Wisconsin:

BACKGROUND: Overdose deaths in the United States have significantly increased in the past several decades. From 1999 to 2022, the national overdose death rate increased by ten times, with over 107,000 overdose deaths reported in 2023 alone.

Wisconsin’s overdose crisis mirrors national trends. In 2022, the number of opioid-involved overdose deaths in the state was 12 times higher than in 2000. However, in 2024, the U.S. saw a notable 24% reduction in overdose deaths and early data indicates Wisconsin experienced a similar decline in overdose deaths. This is a hopeful sign that efforts to address the crisis are starting to take effect.

Harm reduction and overdose prevention approaches are essential to addressing the overdose crisis. Harm reduction is a practical and justice-centered strategy that focuses on reducing the negative consequences of drug use and which emphasizes the dignity and autonomy of people who use drugs. Harm reduction utilizes a range of strategies, including safer use, meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at,” and addressing the conditions of use along with the use itself.

Opioid settlement funds provide an important opportunity to improve access to evidence-based harm reduction and overdose prevention services. To expand these evidence-based services, Vital Strategies will match county opioid settlement funding up to $100,000.00 for one year. After the Vital Strategies Grant is awarded, a budget amendment will be done to include all revenues and expenses that are compliant under the Opioid Settlement Fund use.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors to Commit for Use of County Opioid Settlement Funds up to $100,000.00 to support a grant match requirement for the Vital Strategies Request for Application.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sauk County Board of Supervisors approves applying for the Vital Strategies Grant.

Approved for presentation to the County Board by the Health and Human Resources Committee and Finance, Personnel and Insurance Committee, this 20th day of May 2025.

Fiscal Note: Opioid Settlement funding is available for required grant match of up to $100,000.00.