DOJ: Lautenschlager Presents DOJ Grants to Five Wisconsin Community Health Organizations

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Kelly Kennedy 608/266-7876

MADISON — Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager presented Wisconsin Department of Justice grants ranging from $2,856 to $63,000 to five Wisconsin health organizations at a ceremony at her Capitol office today.

“These health organizations represent diverse communities in the State of Wisconsin, each taking positive action on behalf of the health and well-being of our families,” Lautenschlager said. “It is a privilege to help such groups to continue their important work in the fields of medical research and health care.”

The following health organizations have received these grants:

– Wisconsin Latino Health Council: aims to improve the health and well-being of Wisconsin’s Latino community by increasing access to health information and services for the Latino population. $10,000

– Southcentral Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association: the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, the Alzheimer’s Association is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s. $2,856.96

– Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter Alzheimer’s Association: $11,427.85

– Sankofa Project-American Cancer Society: A collaborative program between the Midwest Division of the American Cancer Society and the Northside Branch YMCA, promotes cancer awareness and education in Milwaukee’s African-American community. $10,000

– The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill – Wisconsin (NAMI): a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by mental illness throughout Wisconsin. $63,945

The Alzheimer’s Association funds are remaining cy pres funds from the Mylan lawsuit, in which Alzheimer’s patients were overcharged for the drugs Lorazepam and/or Clorasepate. The NAMI funds come from cy pres funds from the BuSpar antitrust case. Because the BuSpar drug treats anxiety disorders, the settlement stipulated that funds were to be used to benefit mental health. All other grants are from settlements involving funds that may be dispersed by court order at the discretion of the Attorney General.

At the presentation, the Attorney General presented checks to each of the organizations and made a short speech thanking each group for its work to help the citizens of Wisconsin.