Pubdate: Mon, 14 Apr 2014
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2014 Journal Sentinel Inc.
Contact: http://www.jsonline.com/general/30627794.html
Website: http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel

HEROIN-RELATED OVERDOSES SPIKE 34% FROM PREVIOUS YEAR

In 2013, 67 people died of a heroin-related overdoses in
Milwaukee County - a 34% increase from the prior year, according to
statistics released Monday.

The number is an increase of more than 600% from 10 years ago when
Milwaukee County recorded nine heroin-related overdose deaths,
according to the Milwaukee County medical examiner's office.

The medical examiner's office also hit a grim record last year with
216 drug overdose deaths reported in 2013 - the highest number ever
and a 29% increase from 2012.

Fatal heroin-related overdoses have been steadily increasing in
Milwaukee County in the last several years, reaching 44 in 2011 and 50
in 2012. Preliminary numbers for 2014 were not available Monday.

Fatal heroin-related overdoses surpassed cocaine for the first time in
Milwaukee County in 2012, but the problem isn't contained to
Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Department of Justice released data earlier
this year that showed the number of heroin cases sent to the state
crime lab is increasing virtually everywhere in the state.

Waukesha County recorded 10 heroin-related fatal overdoses for the
first half of 2013, which tracks closely with 2012 when the total
reached 21. Final numbers for 2013 were not available Monday.

Experts agree that rates of fatal overdoses would be even higher if it
were not for naloxone, which reverses an opiate overdose.

Heroin has plagued families across state, prompting some parents -
including Laura and Lee Pulsifer, Julie Berg and state Rep. John
Nygren - to advocate for greater awareness of the heroin problem and
promote possible solutions.

Last week, Gov. Scott Walker signed seven bills aimed at fighting the
growing heroin problem after Nygren (R-Marinette) had taken a lead in
drafting the measures.

A regional summit to address the heroin problem is planned for June 4
at Marquette University's Alumni Memorial Union. Local summits already
have taken place in suburban communities in Waukesha and Ozaukee counties.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D