Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced the conclusion of the Opioid Settlement Advisory Panel's work, transitioning efforts to ongoing collaborations among community partners. The panel, established in 2022, was tasked with exploring efficient uses of settlement funds from pharmaceutical companies.

“Two and a half years ago, this panel set out to explore the most efficient and effective uses of the settlement dollars that we’re receiving from pharmaceutical companies,” Kerkman stated. “With the research conducted and recommendations in hand, the panel leaders and I are considering its work to be done, with our time now best spent on pursuing programming and services that will make a difference in curbing the overdose epidemic.”

County Board Supervisor Guida Brown noted that disbanding the committee will streamline efforts against opioid misuse but emphasized continued vigilance against drug dangers.

Chaired by Kari Foss, Director of Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services, the panel included law enforcement, recovery community members, and healthcare representatives. These partners will continue working towards objectives outlined in a March research report conducted with Kane Communications Group.

The report identified housing needs—particularly recovery housing—as a top priority alongside transportation and job assistance. Other focus areas include service navigation support and improved education and communication.

Foss highlighted ongoing work outside the oversight panel's realm while maintaining an online dashboard for public updates on fund usage. She also noted a 27 percent decrease in nationwide overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024, mirrored by improvements in Kenosha County.

Sheriff David Zoerner praised the panel’s groundwork for high-level investments like peer support training and school-based prevention curriculum. “The panel got us off to a great start,” Zoerner said. “Now the entire community can start implementing the recommendations of the findings report."

Information about opioid prevention efforts is available on Kenosha County's website along with regular updates on fund allocation through an online dashboard.