Centering the people, not just the problem.

Too often, the people behind the numbers are forgotten. With this in mind, Milwaukee County DHHS Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS) launched Featuring Our Community’s Untold Stories (FOCUS) using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. The purpose of this project is to inform messaging, strategy, and other actions Milwaukee County can take to lessen the burden of substance use, reduce harm, and save lives. As fentanyl, xylazine, and other powerful adulterants deepen the harm, these stories bring life to the data —showing how individuals, families, and neighborhoods continue to meet challenge with strength, care, and resilience.

This site houses the ongoing insights gathered through one-on-one conversations, community dialogues, and being present across Milwaukee County to listen and learn. By completion we aim to have conducted over 200 conversations.