Just that coming up."

Here's a look at the 8 things you need to know today... as opiod addiction continues to be an issue throughout the country... la crosse is working to limit overdose deaths.

News 8's alec giannakopoulos what has been working to reduce substance abuse in la crosse in 2017 there were 29 people in la crosse county that died of a drug overdose according to alliance to heal.

Since that year... the number of overdoses has decreased... and has the potential to be at a low that hasn't been seen in four years.

"well we hope a lot of things, and that's what we're gathered here today for."

Alliance to heal, an organization set to reduce drug overdoses in la crosse, held a meeting at the onalaska city hall today.

As of now, in 2019 there have been four drug related deaths in la crosse county.

With numbers on track to be lower than 2018 and 2017, some members at the event feel their effort in educating the county have had a positive effect.

"the overall awareness, i think the alliance to heal in general has created a lot of great education opportunities.

I think just talking about it on a regular basis has brought it attention.

"it's education and awareness that's getting out there, it's been able to bring more resouces from the community that helps bring members in from the community to help those that struggle wtih addiction.

Another possible reason for potentially lower deaths is a grant the city has recived, to help aid those with addiction.

"we're now able to expand to medication assistant treatment and residental care and other services to opiate users."

The city looks to keep planning drug take back days, and host events to educate.

"increasing those disposible opportunities, as an alliance i know we're looking into creating a few workshops."

However alliance to heal believes that one death is too many, and wants to work to continue to get to zero deaths.

"and we do that by working to gether and understanding what we bring to the table."

It was a theme at the meeting of one death being too many, so while many are encouraged to see a lower overdose total, they are still looking for ways to improve.

?what events or programs does the county do to limit drug access?

Drug drop off boxes have been a mainstay in the city, in addition to events where residents are encouraged to drop off their medication, as well as picking up old medications from residents who can no longer drive are just a few.