Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Neenah, Wisconsin
Historical Neenah, Winnebago County, WI and substance abuse
Neenah is a small city located in east-central Wisconsin along the northern edge of Lake Winnebago and the banks of the Fox River. Part of the Fox Cities region and Winnebago County, Neenah has long been a hub of manufacturing, paper production, and river-based commerce. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Menominee and Ho-Chunk tribes, who lived off the land’s abundant freshwater resources and forested terrain.
The city’s name, “Neenah,” comes from a Native American word meaning “water” or “running water,” reflecting the city’s deep connection to the Fox River. In the mid-1800s, European-American settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the power potential of the river. Neenah was officially incorporated as a city in 1873 and quickly became a regional center for paper manufacturing, with companies like Kimberly-Clark and Bergstrom Paper Company anchoring its economy. These industries shaped Neenah’s identity as a prosperous, working-class city with strong civic institutions.
Today, Neenah is known for its charming downtown, well-maintained neighborhoods, and high quality of life. With a population of just under 27,000 residents, it balances small-town friendliness with access to the broader amenities of the Fox Cities. Residents enjoy a strong school system, community festivals like the Summer Fun Runs and Farmers Market, and recreational access to the Fox River and Lake Winnebago. The city’s tree-lined streets, historic homes, and family-oriented values continue to draw newcomers seeking stability and opportunity.
Like many Wisconsin communities, however, Neenah has faced growing challenges related to substance abuse. While smaller in size, the city has experienced a disproportionate share of opioid-related overdose deaths in recent years. In 2023 alone, Neenah recorded 13 fatal overdoses, with a death rate that exceeded the Winnebago County average. The city has also seen an uptick in emergency room visits and behavioral health referrals linked to alcohol and drug use. These trends mirror broader state and national patterns but are particularly concerning given the city’s size.
Local leaders, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations have responded with increased prevention and intervention efforts. ThedaCare and other regional systems have expanded access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), while schools and community coalitions promote substance use education and youth outreach programs. Neenah is also an active participant in Winnebago County’s Overdose Fatality Review team, which seeks to understand and prevent future deaths through coordinated public health action.