A new report from Forward Analytics, Silent Killer: The Fentanyl Epidemic in Wisconsin, shows our state in the middle of an epidemic of drug overdose deaths driven largely by illegal fentanyl.

“Like the nation, Wisconsin is experiencing a true crisis of drug overdoses, particularly fatal ones due to fentanyl,” said Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp, who authored the study. “This is now the number one killer of Wisconsin residents ages 25 to 54. It’s stunning.”

According to the new study, overdose deaths associated with synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) increased more than 1,000% from 2015 through 2021, claiming more than 4,300 Wisconsin lives.

Join #LocalGovMatters co-hosts, WCA President & CEO Mark O’Connell and WCA Communications Consultant Michelle Gormican Thompson, as they sit down with Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp as they discuss the new report and what it means for both Wisconsin and the nation.

Resources
Forward Analytics Report-Silent Killer: The Fentanyl Epidemic in Wisconsin
Forward Analytics Website
Wisconsin Counties Association Website

Show Ideas?
Contact #LocalGovMatters co-host Michelle Gormican Thompson of the Wisconsin Counties Association with show ideas.

A special thanks to Jackie Johnson for sound editing and to Ann Marie Austin for her technical support. This episode was recorded on June 7, 2023.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS