Laura Runchey on drug overdoses, stigma reduction, and death trends in La Crosse County

It’s Overdose Awareness Month in La Crosse County, and health educator Laura Runchey stopped in studio to talk about it. We discussed why the county recognizes this month — understanding overdoses, reducing stigma around drug-related deaths — and how overdose deaths have dropped sharply over the past two years, after reaching a record-high 55 deaths in 2023. The La Crosse County Health Department has several activities planned throughout August, including Friday Myth Busters on its social media pages and three public events: Bridging the Gap: Treatment Resource Fair August 12, 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Coulee Recovery Center City-County Proclamation and Movies with a Mission: Heroin(e) August 26, 5:30–7:00 p.m. at La Crosse Public Library-Main Branch Candlelight Vigil Service August 27, beginning 5:30 p.m. at Coulee Recovery Center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.