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A response to the Fentanyl Crisis Declared on 8-1-2022, by County Executive Paul Farrow.

Overdose Fatality Review

What is Overdose Fatality Review?

The Waukesha County Overdose Fatality Review was established in 2024 following County Executive Paul Farrow's declaration of fentanyl as a community health crisis in 2022.

Overdose Fatality Review is a systematic and collaborative process that convenes a multidisciplinary team to review preventable deaths utilizing a nationally recognized model. Together the team analyzes emerging trends, identifies risk factors and proposes recommendations designed to catalyze local, state and national action to prevent future deaths from occurring. It is a tested and trusted tool across the nation to address the opioid crisis. 

Point of contact: Overdose Fatality Review Coordinator, Stephanie Engle, MSW, APSW  sengle@waukeshacounty.gov

 

 

The multidisciplinary Overdose Fatality Review team reflects a wide variety of professions and experiences across the local community. The team reviews the circumstances surrounding individual deaths to identify emerging trends, risk factors, and opportunities for intervention. 

Together, they build their collective knowledge to understand systems, operations, processes, and more in efforts to improve efficiency, service delivery and to drive innovation. The team is anchored in the belief that all substance related deaths are preventable. 

 

Timeline

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The Community Health Assessment (CHA) is a vital tool that Waukesha County utilizes to gain a comprehensive understanding of the health and well-being of our community. By gathering and analyzing relevant data, the CHA paints a vivid picture of the health needs, challenges, and strengths in Waukesha County.

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) marks the start of a five-year community health improvement cycle that includes the creation of the Community Health Assessment and the creation and implementation of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Since 1993, Wisconsin statutes have required local health departments throughout Wisconsin to regularly assess community health and implement local health plans to address health
conditions impacting their residents.

Leading these efforts is the Waukesha County CHIP Steering Committee. The Committee is a group of diverse and multidisciplinary leaders selected by the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Public Health to work collaboratively in identifying actionable priorities, minimizing disparities in health, and adapting to new and emerging health concerns. By leveraging the strengths of our community and working together towards a shared vision, we can create a healthier, more equitable, and vibrant place to live, work, and play. 

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