Excessive alcohol use blamed for $6.8 billion dollars in costs f - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

A new report blames excessive alcohol use for $6.8 billion dollars in costs in Wisconsin for  the year 2011. The findings are part of "The Burden of Excessive Alcohol Use" report is the first one done by Health First of Wisconsin.

The group says in 2011, excessive alcohol consumption in Marathon County contributed to 31 deaths, 1,318 hospitalizations and 1,392 arrests. The estimated costs were at $152.4 million or $1,137.05 for every man, woman and child in the county.

 Those who worked on the study say they hope it will spur state leaders to explore new ways of changing the drinking culture of Wisconsin.

The report was released in 5 Wisconsin cities, including Wausau on March 12, 2013.

http://wuphi.pophealth.wisc.edu/.

www.healthfirstwi.org