Project Summary:
Substance use disorder remains a critical and growing public health issue in Wisconsin, with Winnebago County experiencing some of the state’s most concerning overdose trends. The county’s heroin and opioid-related death rates closely mirror state averages, while methamphetamine and stimulant-related deaths exceed them. The increasing prevalence of fentanyl, the leading driver of fatal overdoses, underscores the urgency of an equitable, coordinated response. People who use drugs face disproportionate barriers to care—stemming from stigma, fragmented systems, and lack of trauma-informed, culturally responsive services—leading to higher rates of overdose, recidivism, and preventable death.
In partnership with Winnebago County Public Health and the Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review, Solutions Recovery, Inc. launched the Solutions Peer Response Team (SPRT) to bridge these gaps. SPRT is a peer-led, trauma-informed model that connects people to care before, during, and after crisis or law enforcement involvement. Staffed by certified peer specialists with lived experience, SPRT provides 24/7 support through a hotline, mobile app, post-release outreach, and referrals from hospitals, shelters, and schools. By reaching individuals at their most vulnerable times, SPRT reduces stigma, builds trust, and increases engagement with prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services.
The proposed project will expand SPRT’s reach and strengthen data evaluation in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin. Evaluation metrics will track implementation reach, referral pathways, recidivism, and overdose trends to assess effectiveness and guide improvement. The intended impact is fewer overdoses, greater recovery engagement, and stronger cross-system coordination. Ultimately, this project advances health equity by ensuring those most affected by substance use in Winnebago County have equitable access to compassionate, evidence-based care and community support.
Community Partners: Winnebago County Public Health, State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Winnebago County District Attorney, Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, Day-by-Day Warming Shelter, Winnebago County Human Services, Winnebago County Medical Examiner's Office