Three counties in the region are part of a federal lawsuit against five prescription drug companies over opioids.
28 counties in Wisconsin say they marketed the painkillers even though they knew they were addictive and not safe for long-term use.
Shawano, Waupaca, and Fond du Lac counties are involved.
Attorney Erin Dickinson of Milwaukee says county governments are bearing the brunt of the crisis.
The lawsuit seeks to recover some of the costs of dealing with people addicted to opioids.
