Project Hope

The Facts

From 2014-2018, Dunn County had nearly one and a half times more methamphetamine submissions to the state crime lab than Milwaukee County. (Wisconsin Crime Lab)

In 2016, Dunn County had the third highest percentage (31.8%) of prisoners admitted to state prison that abuse methamphetamine. (Wisconsin Deptartment of Corrections)

In 2017 and 2018, 33% of inmates assessed in Dunn County indicated they used methamphetamine and the average rating for use was chronicled as severe. (Dunn County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council)

From 2015 to July of 2019, MPD investigated 173 incidents resulting in arrests for methamphetamine, delivery of methamphetamine and/or possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Between 2013 -2017, child abuse and neglect reports dramatically increased by 111%. (Dunn County News, 2019)

Out-of-home children placement costs in Dunn County rose from $750,000 to over $1.2 million in one year, between 2017 and 2018 (Solberg, 2019, Leader-Telegram)

From January 2015 through May 2019, the Menomonie Police Department referred 881 juveniles for criminal violations including drugs and violence. (MPD Records)

$424 million is the estimated annual economic cost of methamphetamine use, including the cost of health care and lost productivity. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

As of July 24, 2019, there were approximately 2,293 ambulance runs for suspected overdoses with 2,726 naloxone doses administered in West Central Wisconsin. (Wisconsin Suspected Opioid Overdose Report, 2019)

897,000 people 12 years and older currently use meth (U.S. Department of Justice’s 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment Report)

5716 people died in the U.S. as a result of methamphetamine overdose. (U.S. Department of Justice’s 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment)

The PROGRAM

Prevention Pillar

The Prevention Pillar encompasses strategies directed towards educating youth, parents and the community at large.

Botvin LifeSkills Program for grades 3 -12
Educational programming for parents
Mentoring programs for middle and high school aged students
Job apprenticeships programs
High-risk youth assessment team focused on providing resources to vulnerable children

Treatment Pillar

Prevention Pillar

The Treatment Pillar focuses on deflecting/diverting offenders away from the criminal justice system towards treatment opportunities. Components include:

Officers will be given training and authority to deflect low level offenders to treatment in lieu of being arrested for a crime.
A task force of officers, medical professionals and counselors will be created to identify drug users that are at high-risk for overdose. The high-risk individuals will then be provided with local substance abuse treatment opportunities.
Assist addicts and offenders with resolving obstacles to treatment
Expand the District Attorney Pre -Charge Diversion Program
Create a check-in system for individuals that have received treatment to determine if further resources are needed.

Enforcement Pillar

Harm Reduction Pillar

The Enforcement Pillar utilizes law enforcement strategies focusing on curbing the illegal sale of controlled substances and deflecting addicts away from the criminal justice system. The Enforcement Pillar also provides for juvenile diversion programs that educate low level delinquents in an effort to avoid exposure to the criminal justice system. Components include:

Youth offenders will be deflected away from the criminal justice system and provided with education/treatment options versus traditional prosecution
Deflect adults with substance use disorders away from the criminal justice system and provide them with treatment opportunities
Focus covert investigations on methamphetamine and opioid distributors
Enhance the capabilities of the multi -agency Drug Endangered Children Program
Utilize hot -spot policing analytics to disrupt areas prone to drug activity

Harm Reduction Pillar

The Harm Reduction Pillar uses education, activities and programs driven towards improving the overall quality of life for our communities.

Deflect/Divert low to medium risk offenders out of the criminal justice system
Promote local needle exchange programs
Provide amnesty from criminal prosecution for addicts wishing to turn in their controlled substances/paraphernalia and seek treatment
Deliver education on communicable diseases related to intravenous drug use

Support

How can you help?

The program's top ongoing need is mentors for children. We have partnered with Mentor Chippewa to connect mentees with adults who want to genuinely make a difference in their community and childrens' lives.

Interested community members are also encouraged to visit the website www.mentorchippewa.org for more information about the program, including time commitments and responsibilities, mentor applications, and more.

Financial contributions are also accepted and will be used to support the program and its mission. This can encompass treatment costs, mental health donations, and cover the cost of items needed for those who are in the program.

Financial Support

Donations are accepted through the Community Foundation of Dunn County. Donations can be made online or sent via the mail to the Community Foundation and should reference that they are to be used for Project Hope.

Donate now

Project Hope

Angels of Red Cedar

Safe Spaces for Connection

The Facts

The Program

The Partners

SUPPORT

The Facts

Enter Project Hope.

The PROGRAM

Prevention Pillar

Prevention Pillar

Prevention Pillar

Treatment Pillar

Prevention Pillar

Prevention Pillar

Enforcement Pillar

Harm Reduction Pillar

Harm Reduction Pillar

Harm Reduction Pillar

Harm Reduction Pillar

Harm Reduction Pillar

Project Hope Virtual Event- March 2021

Support

How can you help?

Financial Support

Our Partners