Committee approves $5,000 startup grant for local harm‑reduction kit distribution

The Vernon County Opioid Prevention and Steering Committee on June 11 approved $5,000 in startup funding to help Smore Services begin a local harm‑reduction kit distribution program.

Chelsey Myhre‑Foster, representing Smore Services, told the committee that kits would include gauze, sterile water, alcohol prep pads, clean injection devices, Narcan, safe‑sex items and educational materials. "Most Vernon County residents have to drive to La Crosse to pick up harm‑reduction kits," Myhre‑Foster said, explaining the program’s purpose and reach. She said Vivant Health would partner on ordering supplies and that peer‑to‑peer outreach and grassroots networking would be used for distribution.

Committee members asked about staff safety, disposal of used needles and budget tracking. Myhre‑Foster said outreach workers would operate in pairs, that discrete sharps containers (for example, repurposed laundry containers) could be used for on‑site handoffs, and that Vivant Health might assist with needle take‑back. She described staffing as the largest budget item (a $21,000 line in the proposal) and said the program would need to raise roughly $5,000 in fundraising beyond the grant request to launch.

Grants Manager Amy Oliver asked how the organization would document the requested $21,000 staff‑time reimbursement and what measurable goals would be tracked. Myhre‑Foster said program staff would use timecards or equivalent proof of payment and would submit documentation for reimbursement, and that she is familiar with Department of Health Services submission processes.

Cassandra Hanan, Vernon County Administrative Coordinator, indicated approval for an up‑front disbursement of $5,000 toward the $25,000 request. The minutes record a motion to approve the $5,000 startup disbursement (motion recorded as by "Palmer" with Dr. Martha Karlstad seconding) and the motion passed unanimously. The minutes do not list individual vote tallies.

The committee directed Smore Services to work with the county grants manager on reimbursement and documentation. Myhre‑Foster said she would seek an initial $5,000 to begin purchasing supplies and standing up outreach; the program’s longer‑term funding plan includes fundraising and partner support.

Next steps: Smore Services will coordinate with Amy Oliver on invoicing and documentation for the startup funds; the program’s full $25,000 funding request and detailed budget remain to be finalized in follow‑up paperwork.