U.S. Rep. Kind Holds Discussion with State Senator Lassa and Portage and Wood County Community Leaders on the Growing Drug Epidemic

Stevens Point, WI – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind held a roundtable discussion with State Senator Julie Lassa, Portage and Wood county law enforcement officials and health professionals. They discussed Rep. Kind’s Drug Epidemic Action Plan and the ways that various public and private stakeholders can work together to help solve the problem.

“This is an all hands on deck moment. We need a strong partnership at the federal, state, and local levels, along with private health care providers to put an end to the growing drug epidemic. It was productive to hear directly from local officials about the ways we can work together going forward to update pain management practices, break the cycle of incarceration, and ensure people get the help they need,” said Rep. Ron Kind.

“In Wisconsin Rapids we have seen up close and personal the negative impact the growing drug epidemic is having on our community and our citizens. I was glad to join Rep. Kind to discuss the difficulties law enforcement face when dealing with the problem, and I look forward to working with him in the future to address the ongoing issues,” said Kurt Heurer, Chief of Police in Wisconsin Rapids.

Rep. Kind’s Drug Epidemic Action Plan consists of five key components:

• Expand available resources for law enforcement and individuals struggling with addiction
• Review and improve prescribing practices for prescription pain medication
• Expand access to mental health care
• Encourage alternative pain treatment programs
• Increase Wisconsin’s Medicaid funding through federal expansion

Read the full plan here.