A picture of fentanyl seized in 2022 by the Brown County Drug Task Force. (Photo courtesy: Brown County Sheriff's Department.)
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — 47 overdose deaths occurred in Winnebago County last year, according to the 2023-24 report released Wednesday by the county’s Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) team.
Officials say that number (47) is higher than they have seen in any previous year. The data in the report was provided to Winnebago County Public Health by the Winnebago County Medical Examiner’s Office.
- 13 victims were listed as female, 34 victims were listed as male
- 43 victims were listed as White; four victims were listed as either Black, Hispanic or American Indian
- Fentanyl was listed as a primary cause of death in 31 of the overdose deaths
- The majority of the overdose deaths occurred among individuals aged 18-44
- 28 overdose deaths occurred in Oshkosh; 13 occurred in Neenah; two occurred in Fox Crossing and four occurred in Menasha/Appleton
- 7 of the overdose deaths were classified as suicide overdose deaths, an increase from previous years
In reviewing overdose deaths, the OFR team identified several recurring themes.
According to the report, most overdose victims had a documented history of mental health disorders. Officials saw an increase in the number of ADHD and co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) cases.
“Many victims did not receive the treatment and services needed to support their mental health and SUDs,” the report states.
The report says children of parents who died from an overdose continue to be disproportionately impacted, “worsened by a lack of support and access to vital services for children and families who experience trauma.”
Closing gaps among treatment, mental health, primary care and other key agencies was apparent in many overdose deaths, the report says, recognizing a need for the community to make resources available to everyone.
Additionally, the OFR team determined many overdose victims “felt isolated and that they had little or no support. Some groups, such as LGBTQQIA or people of color, are disproportionately impacted.” Affinity groups and peer support remain vital in preventing overdose deaths, the report said.
OFR’s 2024-25 priorities are close gaps in communication between systems to strengthen continuum of care; identify children falling between gaps and connect them to support; and focus on preventive efforts such as trauma and early substance use.
“While our county has experienced a record-high number of overdose deaths, our team is more dedicated than ever to solving the problem,” Jennifer Skolaski, program manager of the Winnebago County OFR team, said in a statement.
In working together, we can create changes in programming, systems, and our community to save lives. The number of overdose deaths is only one metric. Our team continues to focus on the prevention work we’ve done to connect people to help no matter where they are on the journey to recovery.
The report also outlines recommendations from the OFR team, as well as ways you can get involved and support the OFR team’s work. To read the full report, click here.
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