The links below contained detailed information for the upcoming 2017 Safe States Alliance Annual Meeting, taking place September 12-14, 2017 in Aurora, Colorado.
Please note:
- A total of five concurrent sessions will take place during the Annual Meeting, and there will be up to five breakouts occurring simultaneously during each of those concurrent sessions. Within each breakout, there will be up to four presentations that take place.
- This online system does not allow us to embed the individual presentations within each breakout. Please note the session presentations listed under each Concurrent Breakout title for associated content.
- The on-site mobile app WILL embed these sessions for ease of use.
- A printable, detailed agenda can be found on the 2017 Annual Meeting website.
- If you have any questions, please contact info@safestates.org
- All session times and locations are tentative and subject to change. Safe States will continue to update these details as changes take place.
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Through Partnership
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the importance of partnership in addressing this emerging epidemic.
2. Understand the methods Montgomery County utilized to create a strong taskforce including partnerships with schools, healthcare, non profits and the community.
3. Understand the benefits of partnerships for expertise, resources and meaningful collaboration.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this ongoing project is to address the opioid epidemic as it continues to rise in Montgomery County. Collaborative outreach and education have been targeted toward areas of the County that show the highest rates of "saves" using Narcan/Naloxone. Through outreach, education and Narcan distribution, more lives can be saved from overdose.
Methods/Approach
Montgomery County Commissioners convened an Overdose Prevention Taskforce in 2015. The Takforce is comprised of law enforcement, medical, community members, local officials, social service agencies and lawyers. Through work in that Taskforce, Health and Human Service professionals formulated an outreach plan to educate and provide Naloxone to at risk members of the community.
The Office of Drug and Alcohol, through grant money, provided doses of Naloxone to the Health Department to distribute in clinics and at community educations sessions. These sessions are a partnership between the offices as well as community groups. Education about the statistics and rates of saves as well as treatment options are presented. A demonstration of the use of Naloxone is done by a Public Health Nurse and then she distributes Naloxone kits to attendees.
Additionally, work with the Public Safety Department has provided information about saves performed by law enforcement and EMS to better reach the populations in need. From this data, locations are identified to distribute and educate.
Results
Since 2015, the number of saves by Law Enforcement has increased from 34 in 2015 to 147 in 2016. The number of administrations by EMS has increased by 31% from 2015 to 2016. Also, the number of Naloxone kits distributed has jumped from 2 in 2015 to 549 in 2016. The increase can be attributed to a County Standing Order issued in October of 2015 and a State Standing Order issued shortly after. With more Naloxone in the hands of the community, more lives can be saved. Education requests have also increased with church groups, support groups, school and parent organizations all looking to learn more about the epidemic in the County.
The conversations have started about Opioid abuse and with the continued, growing partnerships in Montgomery County, more people have been educated and more people have been saved from overdose.
Conclusions & Significance to the Field
By establishing partnerships to address an emerging epidemic, more lives can be saved, accurate information given and targeted areas can be identified. Addressing opioid overdose is now a topic infused into the mission of many health and human service departments, social service agencies and the community at large. More Naloxone is in the hands of people who need it themselves or have a loved one that may need it. By educating and distributing, Montgomery County is making a difference in the fight against opioid ovedose.
Presenters
Mr. Joseph Coyle, MPH, CHES, Montgomery County Health Department
Biography
Mr. Joseph Coyle is a Community Health Educator with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services in Norristown, PA. Mr. Coyle has taken a lead role in Montgomery County’s recent efforts to combat the growing opioid epidemic, developing curriculum and creating educational materials. He also is actively involved in the County’s efforts to distribute naloxone to county residents.
Mr. Coyle holds a Master of Public Health degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania as well as a Master of Arts degree in bioethics from Case Western Reserve University. He is also a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.