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WUWM NEWS SERIESResources:- Wisconsin Department of Justice's Anti-Heroin Campaign- Informational Brochure from State Justice Department- Presentation by Department of Justice- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locatorfrom Substance & Mental Health Services Administration,U.S. Department of Health & Human Services- Narcotics AnonymousPlaces to Return Unused Medications:- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 26, 2013- Local Police Stations Collect Unused Medications Year-Round

Wisconsin Enacts Steps to Combat Heroin Problem

Gov. Walker is signing seven heroin-related bills into law on Monday, including one to boost state funding for treatment programs.

All the bills were authored by Republican Rep. John Nygren of Marinette, whose daughter has been in the throes of a heroin addition. Both houses of the Legislature unanimously approved the measures.

They also include plans to create regional treatment facilities, grant immunity to anyone who calls 911 to report a heroin overdose and require EMTs to carry and administer naloxone, a drug that counteracts opiate overdoses.

Law enforcement agencies across the state say heroin use and addiction are reaching epidemic levels, so the state is wise to step up its fight.