COVID-19 has impacted the health and safety of Wisconsinites in many ways, and the stress stemming from the pandemic and the uncertainty it has caused can prove extremely difficult for individuals, especially residents of Wisconsin who struggle with substance use disorder or another underlying behavioral health condition. “We know that challenges like fear of COVID-19, financial pressures, and isolation are the kinds of stressors that exacerbate behavioral health and substance use disorders and that is why it is so important to ask for help if you need it,” said Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Help is available and we urge anyone struggling to reach out.” Preliminary numbers show that suspected opioid overdoses have increased 117% since the start of the pandemic in Wisconsin compared to the same time in 2019. Data from emergency departments in Wisconsin show there were 325 suspected opioid overdoses from March to July 13, 2020 compared to 150 suspected overdoses during the same time in 2019.
