Milwaukee County Reports Continued Decline in Overdose Deaths for Fourth Consecutive Year

Milwaukee County officials announced on April 21, 2026 that fatal overdose deaths have declined for the fourth year in a row, according to data released by County Executive David Crowley and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The latest figures show a 17.7% decrease in all fatal overdoses and a 22.7% decrease in fatal opioid overdoses compared to 2024 levels. Since 2022, overdose deaths have fallen by 42.6% with opioid-related deaths dropping by 54.6% during the same period.

Crowley credited the decline to strategic use of opioid settlement funds, which have expanded access to treatment and harm reduction services across the county. These funds originate from lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies implicated in fueling the national opioid crisis.

Despite the progress, officials emphasized that 387 Milwaukee County residents still lost their lives to overdose in 2025, underscoring the ongoing need for sustained public health interventions.

The announcement was made at the Marcia P. Coggs Center for Health & Human Services, where Crowley was joined by Dr. Ben Weston, chief health policy advisor for Milwaukee County, and representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Services division.

“As we acknowledge the progress we have made, we must also remember those we have lost,” Crowley stated. “Their lives matter, and their stories remind us why this perform is so critical. I am committed to continuing this work until every person in Milwaukee County has access to the care, support and second chances they deserve.”

The county continues to monitor overdose trends through its public overdose dashboard, which provides real-time data to inform prevention and response efforts.