The Menominee Indian Reservation reports a decline in drug overdoses

KESHENA, Wis. (WBAY) – The Menominee Indian Reservation is reporting a decrease in drug overdoses, consistent with a national downward trend.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in May that there was a 3% decrease in overdose deaths in the United States from 2022 to 2023, a milestone statistic not seen since 2018 has given. Data is still being collected for 2024, the Nation said.

The Menominee Tribe, which declared a state of emergency in 2022 due to the effects of drug use and addiction, has seen a nearly 70% decrease in overdose incidents so far this year, the country said in a news release Tuesday.

Although the decline is good news, it does not mean that the great work to combat addiction and substance abuse is no longer needed. Many clinics and treatment centers such as Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center have seen an increase in the number of patients seeking help with mental health and/or addiction issues.

The Menominee Tribe said issues such as access to care and treatment, program funding, adequate provider staffing, legal restrictions and limited resources in jails and prisons remain across the country. These issues impact the timely delivery of services.

Addiction and mental health help is available to everyone! To find resources on the Menominee Reservation, please visit https://www.menominee-nsn.gov/GovernmentPages/Initiatives/DAIT.aspx.

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