This article discusses substance abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can call the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline at 211 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

WISCONSIN — Washington County, like the rest of Wisconsin, has seen a spike in overdoses and deaths linked to fentanyl. 

The sheriff there said roughly 87% of the county's overdose deaths, have been linked to fentanyl. 

In August, Washington County was approaching 25 overdose deaths, the total number it saw in 2020. 

“We need to devote resources to educate and protect the public,” said Josh Schoemann, the Washington County Executive, in a recent news release.

A proposed Washington County anti-crime plan referendum called for putting more deputies in schools, adding detectives to the drug task force and partnering up social worker-deputy teams to co-respond to mental health and substance abuse calls throughout the community.

Schoemann has touted the plan as a proactive approachg to the fentanyl crisis.