THE VALUED VOICE

A package of eight bills was signed into law March 17 by Gov. Scott Walker that seeks to combat the opioid abuse and misuse epidemic in Wisconsin. Known as the H.O.P.E (Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education) legislative package and authored by Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), these bills take a multi-pronged, multi-stakeholder approach to working to address this complex epidemic.

There is no single solution to this problem. The package of bills signed into law illustrates the complexity of this issue and highlights the important collaborative work and support of state and community leaders, law enforcement, patient groups and health care providers.

“Wisconsin’s hospitals and their emergency departments see the terrible effects of prescription painkiller abuse in our communities,” according to Wisconsin Hospital Association President/CEO Eric Borgerding. “The fact that the Governor is signing the H.O.P.E package in hospitals across the state recognizes that emergency departments are at the front lines of this epidemic, and that hospitals and health systems across the state have a key role in working with community partners in helping to address it.”

“We very much appreciate the commitment and partnership from leaders like Governor Walker, Representative Nygren, Attorney General Schimel and lawmakers across the state, but the work does not end with the signing of today’s bills,” Borgerding said. “WHA recognizes Wisconsin hospitals and health systems have an important role in working with community partners to address the opioid abuse epidemic. WHA will continue to provide information and resources to Wisconsin hospital and health systems leaders to help them combat opioid abuse and misuse in their communities.”

Four Wisconsin health care systems hosted the Governor including: Prevea Marinette Health Center and Libertas Treatment Center of Marinette; Aspirus Wausau Hospital; Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire; and ProHealth Care, Oconomowoc. 

“Wisconsin, like many other states across the country, is noticing a dangerous trend—an escalating number of cases involving heroin and opioid use, addiction, and overdose,” Governor Walker said. 

Below are comments from the bill signing ceremonies:

“The opioid abuse and misuse epidemic in Wisconsin is real. As health care providers, we see first-hand the devastating affects it is having on people and their families, and we fully support and appreciate the efforts of the Governor and local lawmakers to address this issue.” - Ashok Rai, MD, President/CEO, Prevea Health

“One of the most urgent concerns facing health care right now is opioid misuse and abuse. As physicians, we see, firsthand, the devastating impact of heroin and opioid addiction.” - Donn Dexter, MD, neurologist and Vice Chief Medical Officer, Mayo Clinic Health System, northwest Wisconsin

“Although Aspirus serves a very rural region of Wisconsin, no communities are immune from the devastating effects of heroin and prescription pain abuse. The H.O.P.E. legislation is important because it brings together health providers with myriad other agencies and organizations to address this widespread issue.” - Matthew Heywood, President/CEO, Aspirus 

“We are honored that the Governor came to ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital to discuss and sign these bills. All of us understand the significance of the problem of heroin and prescription opiate use and dependence. Because we live in a state with a long history of effective government and excellent health care, we are hopeful that we can solve this problem. The H.O.P.E. legislation is a huge step toward a solution.” - Steven Kulick, MD, Chief Medical Officer, ProHealth Care