Security Health Plan: Announces recipients of $137,000 in prescription drug abuse prevention grants

Contact:
Rebecca Normington, 715-221-9726, normington.rebecca@securityhealth.org

MARSHFIELD — “Few people ever intend to struggle with an opioid use disorder, but as many as 1 in 4 people who receive prescription opioids for long-term pain eventually do. We want to intervene,” said Sue Wilhelm, director of Security Health Plan Pharmacy Services.

One intervention is Security Health Plan’s recent investment of $137,000 in Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Grants. Security Health Plan is proud to announce the 10 recipients whose programs will help prevent the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs:

– Bayfield County Health Department
– Barron County Community Coalition
– Couleecap
– Eau Claire City-County Health Department
– Indianhead Community Action Agency
– Together for Jackson County
– Marathon County AOD Partnership
– Taylor County Drug Opposition Partners
– Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area
– Winnebago County Drug & Alcohol Coalition

 

Funding may be used to develop new projects or programs, or to improve existing programs.

 

“Our Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Grants are one way we can help our local communities,” said Jay Shrader, Marshfield Clinic Health System Vice President of Community Health and Wellness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates opioid dependence costs the healthcare system $78.5 billion on an annual basis. Meanwhile, the state toll of opioid-related deaths rose to 622 in 2014, making opioid-related deaths a leading cause of injury deaths in Wisconsin.

 

The grants are part of a larger Marshfield Clinic Health System effort to fight the opioid epidemic and manage the rising cost of healthcare. Other synchronized efforts include changes to pharmacy management services and the installation of medication disposal kiosks.

 

“An epidemic this serious will take the collaboration and cooperation of everyone in the community. We’re happy to do our part,” said Shrader.

 

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About Security Health Plan

Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., part of the Marshfield Clinic Health System, is helping its 220,000 members in Wisconsin and beyond reach their best health. Accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Security Health Plan offers health insurance coverage for employees of large and small businesses, individuals and families. Security Administrative Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Security Health Plan, provides full service third party administration for self-funded employers in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.