Dunn County Committee Approves $100K for Substance Abuse Harm Reduction Strategies

Dunn County's Health and Human Services Committee made significant strides in addressing substance abuse and community health during their recent meeting on August 21, 2025. A key highlight was the approval of a budget adjustment that will allocate $100,000 to support evidence-based harm reduction strategies for substance use disorders. This funding is part of a collaborative effort involving the Criminal Justice Collaborative Division and Human Services, aimed at enhancing local resources for addiction treatment.

Committee members emphasized the importance of these initiatives, noting that the funds will help establish a gravity-fed Narcan dispensing kiosk in the jail, which will be accessible 24/7. This move is seen as a proactive step in combating the opioid crisis and providing critical support to those in need.

Additionally, the committee discussed minor budget adjustments, including a $396 increase for home-delivered meals and a $2,000 boost for the Birth to 3 program, funded by the Women's Giving Circle. These adjustments reflect the committee's ongoing commitment to improving community health services.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed pride in their work and the impact of their programs, which collectively oversee a budget of $19 million. The committee's efforts underscore the importance of addressing public health challenges and ensuring that essential services remain available to all residents of Dunn County.