Local Leaders Tackle Opioid Epidemic

A gathering at Viterbo University aims to tackle the opioid crisis head-on. This is the second year for the RESPOND Together summit, a platform for providers to share insights and strategies. The summit's goal is to educate and improve services for those battling substance and opioid use disorders. It's a tough problem. The summit brings together a mix of professionals, including those with personal experience with substance use disorders and current providers. The idea is to discuss what's working and what needs improvement. This conversation is crucial because the opioid crisis is far from over. In fact, it's getting worse. More people are struggling with opioid use disorder, and sadly, deaths related to it are on the rise. But it's not just about the opioids. Mental health plays a significant role. People with poor mental health are more likely to turn to drugs. So, the focus should also be on understanding why people use drugs in the first place. This is where the Mental Health Coalition of the Greater La Crosse Area comes in. They're pushing for a holistic approach, looking at the root causes of drug use. The good news is that the La Crosse area is taking mental health and opioid use seriously. It's a top priority for several organizations, including The United Way and the La Crosse Community Foundation. Many non-profits are also stepping up to address this crisis. The summit is made possible by a $1. 4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration Respond Program. This funding is crucial for bringing together experts and resources to fight the opioid epidemic.