Did you know inappropriate opioid prescribing continues to fuel one of the deadliest drug epidemics in our nation’s history, claiming the lives of 78 people every day?

Wisconsin, like many other states across America, is noticing this dangerous trend of an increasing number of cases of opioid use, addiction, and overuse. This is a national issue, and we all need to come together to get to the root of this problem so we can fight it.

In 2013, more Wisconsin citizens died as a result of drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes, suicide, breast cancer, colon cancer, firearms, influenza, or HIV, according to a report released last September by the Department of Health Services (DHS). Drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin also doubled from 2004 to 2013.

That’s why I recently joined 45 of the nation’s governors in signing the Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction, developed and released by the National Governors Association (NGA) to fight the national opioid epidemic.

The compact is a result of a resolution passed in February at the NGA Winter Meeting. Last weekend, I joined the nation's governors at the NGA Summer Meeting in Des Moines, where we discussed the positive impact this compact will have in our states.

Our state has already taken aggressive measures to combat opioid abuse, including the creation of Wisconsin’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), and several bills we’ve signed into law to closely monitor controlled substance prescription practices.

We remain committed to working with members of the legislature, Attorney General, and now the National Governors Association to bolster Wisconsin’s drug abuse prevention and treatment efforts.

Wisconsin’s participation in this compact is yet another important step towards ensuring those who face drug addiction receive the help and support they need.

To read more about the Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction, click below.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) connects veterans and their families with various sports organizations across the state so they can attend games as special guests.

WDVA works with teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Admirals, and Madison Mallards.

Cindy, who was active for nine years in the USAF Nurse Corps, as well as her husband, Max, who currently serves as 1-147th Battalion Commander and has more than 20 years of military service, were recently special guests at a Madison Mallards game. Their two children, Jake and Ruth, and Cindy’s mother and father joined them for a night of family fun.

Below are a few excerpts from a letter Cindy wrote about their recent “Veteran of the Night” experience:

I want to thank you for your consideration, time, thoughtfulness, and flexibility, in coordinating the “Veteran of the Night” at the Madison Mallards game.

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From the moment we checked into the Mallards game and through the last “first” pitch, every employee was very supportive and enthusiastic we were there, pleasantly surprised that a husband and wife were veterans.

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It was humbling that the Mallards players each thanked us for our service as we collected our “first” pitch baseball. My husband and I felt this touching tribute was bigger than us, a recognition for all veterans past and future who served and are serving around the world, and those who are unable to be home to watch a Mallard game this summer.

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I hope this tradition continues on as long as we have military members serving our country around the world…Thank you for making the night so special and bringing awareness and remembrance to veterans everywhere.