Fond Du Lac County, WI

Fond du Lac County Health Department

wisconsin

Suburban | Population: 103,948

Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, is grappling with a severe public health crisis stemming from substance use disorders (SUD) and opioid use disorders (OUD). In 2023, the county recorded 24 accidental overdose deaths, with fentanyl implicated in 87% of cases. The county jail population is disproportionately affected, with 26% of bookings reporting substance use struggles. In 2023, 217 individuals were placed on a waiting list for medication-assisted treatment (MAT), with only one FDA-approved medication available during incarceration. Post-release challenges exacerbate recovery difficulties. 

Key COSSUP Initiatives

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Expand access to all three FDA-approved treatments within three years.

Support post-release coordination with community providers.

Integrated Behavioral Health Support

Provide specialized care for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Peer Recovery Support Services

Provide one-on-one and group recovery coaching both in custody and post-release.

Peer support services include recovery planning and a 24/7 hotline for immediate assistance.

Comprehensive Reentry Planning

Support reentry planning focused on education, employment assistance, housing stability, health services, and connection to community resources.

Anticipated Benefits of Project

• Reduction in overdose fatalities

  This project aims to reduce overdose fatalities through access to timely and effective treatment, including medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) and naloxone distribution.

• Improved reentry outcomes

  This project aims to improve the reentry process and therefore reduce recidivism by addressing barriers to treatment, including housing, employment, and transportation.

• Increased treatment compliance

  With the support of peer recovery specialists and dual-diagnosis treatment services, this project aims to increase treatment compliance and effectiveness.

Collaborative Partners

• Fond du Lac County Jail

• Fond du Lac County Health Department

• Fond du Lac County Department of Human Services

• Probation and Parole

• Unity Recovery Services

• Community Medical Services

• SSM Health

• JKV Research

Project Director

Kimberly Mueller, Health Officer
Fond du Lac County Health Department
kim.mueller@fdlco.wi.gov
920-929-3093

This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.