From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com …
— Washington and Ozaukee counties are launching a new initiative to review select cases of suicide and fatal overdose, in hopes of addressing the factors behind these deaths.
The joint Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department today announced the bi-county Fatality Review Team, which will work with each county’s Sheriff’s Office, Medical Examiner’s Office and Human Services Department on the effort.
Members of the team will meet to review certain cases of overdose death and suicide among county residents aged 19 years and older. Goals include identifying and addressing gaps in services, identifying underlying causes and trends, developing prevention strategies focused on mental health and substance abuse, and recommending policy or program changes locally and at the state level.
Washington and Ozaukee counties had 96 suicides and 129 fatal overdoses between 2021 and 2024, the announcement notes, calling loneliness and isolation “profound threats” to wellbeing for residents.
Washington County Sheriff Martin Shulteis notes every death from suicide or overdose “leaves a lasting impact” on families, friends and first responders.
“Our community has experienced too many of these tragedies,” he said in a statement. “The data represents real people — our neighbors, our loved ones. We must do everything we can to prevent further loss.”
See more in the release below.
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