THE BRIGHT SIDE
Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed the September of 2022 to be “Recovery Month” in Wisconsin, which is all about recovery from substance abuse and mental illness.
The purpose of Recovery Month is to ‘celebrate all people’s journeys to health and wellness and in recognizing the dedicated workers and advocates who provide prevention, harm reduction, intervention, treatment, and support services that help make recovery possible every day. Overdoses and death related to mental illness have been on the rise in Wisconsin and across the United States. An alarming number of overdoses in Wisconsin are due to fentanyl. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has sent out a public health advisory regarding fentanyl, which is consuming the opioid world causing 91% of opioid overdoses. The number of fentanyl overdose deaths in Wisconsin grew by 97 percent from 2019 (651) to 2021 (1,280).
The sharp increase in overdose deaths is not only impacting those who use opioids. Cocaine deaths involving synthetic opioids increased by 134 percent from 2019 (182) to 2021 (426), and it is estimated that as many as 40 percent of counterfeit pills contain enough fentanyl to be lethal. Narcan is a medication which can reverse a fentanyl overdose. Narcan is available at pharmacies, local public health departments, and community-based organizations throughout Wisconsin. ‘When will treatment and mental health services become available to everyone regardless of insurance, and especially for those without insurance, which applies to many of those that need help most is one hoped for response to Evers proclamation with respect to having a recovery month.
Access to therapists and recovery programs isn’t currently made readily available which makes those in need feel helpless, seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. More therapists are needed, especially in the state’s rural areas. Try calling and getting one today, and you will find it very difficult, or maybe scheduled for six months down the road. Six to even nine month waiting times are typical today and that is one of the areas of concentration the governor is trying to work on.
Residents of Wisconsin want to see what more can be done, on a regular basis, to get more help and resources for those in need. Therapists are needed now more than ever because trying to get an appointment is so very difficult. When reaching out for help by calling a therapist, looking for a support system or recovery center no one should have to wait months to get the help they need. By then it could be too late. A month to celebrate survivors is great way to put an emphasis on this area of great need.
Place of the Week
Poppy Cakes on Wells Street is open and ready to serve Lake Geneva. Stop in for a treat, grab a seat, and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.
