Does the Opioid Epidemic Strike Close to Home?
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For some of us, the Opioid Epidemic is as close to home as TV newscasts or morning papers. But, for many, this increasing epidemic is right inside our homes. In
Newsweek’s
3/7/18 update it states the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, ranging from July 2016-September 2017, as a 70% rise in the number of overdose cases arriving at emergency departments in the Midwest. The CDC’s Midwest region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. And, across the whole of the U.S., the CDC data shows a 30% rise in the number of emergency rooms treating patients for opioid overdoses.
CDC's Additional Statistical Findings:
30% Increase in men overdosing
24% Increase in women turning up for treatment
31% Increase in adults 24 to 35-year-olds overdosing
36% Increase in adults 35 to 54-year-olds overdosing
32% Increase in adults 55 and older overdosing
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Statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services show that in 2016, 116 people died every day in the U.S. from opioid abuse. That figure is expected to rise as the crisis deepens. The Department declared it a public health emergency in 2017.
As the
Newsweek
article outlines, perhaps most worryingly, are the number of children admitted to hospitals and pediatric intensive care units for opioid-related cases which rose from 797 patients between 2004 and 2007 to
1,504 patients between 2012 and 2015
. The findings were published in the journal
Pediatrics
.
Why and how did all of this start??
Experts put the cause of the current crisis on the United States’ over-reliance on opioids for pain relief, stemming from the 1990s, when health care providers increased the rate at which they prescribed them at the behest and assurance of pharmaceutical companies.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states, "
Opioids are a class of drugs chemically similar to alkaloids found in opium poppies. Historically they have been used as painkillers, but they also have great potential for misuse. Repeated use of opioids greatly increases the risk of developing an opioid use disorder. The use of illegal opiate drugs such as heroin and the misuse of legally available pain relievers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone can have serious negative health effects.
According to the CDC, 44 people die every day in the United States from overdose of prescription painkillers.
" You can read more of the
Newsweek
article here.
I’m not here to point fingers or even try to lead us toward a solution. However, we can certainly play a part in the solution. One simple way – dispose of your old or unused prescription drugs. Recently, I was training facilitators in our
CBSG Program
at The San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SACADA). Their Community Coalition –
Circles of San Antonio
(a phenomenal coalition known nationwide) was handing out these disposal bags. Of course, I’ve had this old prescription I’ve wanted to get rid of … yep, from June 2016!? So, I thought we’d experience it together.
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DETERRA drug deactivation system
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Here are the easy instructions.
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I opened the pouch and poured in the unused medication.
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Then, I filled the pouch up halfway with warm water and waited 30 seconds
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Finally, I sealed the pouch tightly, shook gently and threw it in the trash.
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How cool is this, right?? (I thought you might like my boots, too!)
Now, if you don’t happen to run across a coalition handing out bags, there are
other easily accessible ways
to dispose of old drugs. Also, CVS Pharmacy has an
online resource
. All you have to do is enter your zip code and the distance you are willing to travel and it will pull up locations like pharmacies, police departments, and public works buildings. One last resource, April 28, 2018 is
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
. On the first of April click on this link and you will be able to
find locations near you
.
In earnest, please don’t hold onto old prescriptions, especially pain killers! As we can see from the above statistics, the opioid use disorder is hitting every stage of life all over America.
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Let's all pitch in,
Kathy Daley
Consulting Trainer
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CBSG Program Facilitator Training
Friday, June 1, 2018
Kids’ Connection, Youth Connection,
and
Kids’ Connection, Too
(collectively known as the
CBSG
®
Program
) are unique, interactive, multi-cultural curriculum-based prevention interventions that teach high-risk children and youth ages 4-17 a set of essential life skills: skills to help them learn how to cope with difficult family situations (which include Adverse Childhood Experiences), resist negative peer pressure, set and achieve goals, and refuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
This training is designed to fully prepare schools, community-based organizations, churches, juvenile justice divisions, volunteers, and other youth service professionals to fully implement the
CBSG Program
with fidelity.
Those completing this training will receive their choice one of the
CBSG Program
Facilitator manuals for Schools and Communities, either
Kids’ Connection
for ages 4-12 or
Youth Connection
for ages 10-17.
LOCATION:
Dallas, Texas
TIME:
8:30am - 4:30pm
(The
CBSG Program Facilitator Training
is 7 hours of CEUs!)
COST:
Special Discount Price of $195 per person, one manual included (Save $55!)
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Are you in need of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and summer is the best time for you to get them? Then mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for The Trans4m Center's first annual Summer Symposium.
From
Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12, 2018
we will offer the opportunity for you to receive 24 CEUs!
Topics to be covered will range from "When Crisis Hits Your School - Working with Affected Students" to "Trauma-Informed Care: Making It Personal," and "The Multi-Generational Workplace."
Some of your favorite Trans4m Trainers will be on hand to facilitate these dynamic workshops - Cathey Brown, Kathy Daley, Jill Darling and Karen Williams.
A full schedule, along with registration information, and cost will be available soon. Watch for a Trans4m Center email in your inbox! Seats are limited so act fast!
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We Want to Hear from YOU!
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Have you been facilitating the
CBSG Program
with children and/or youth and have some success stories you would be willing to share?
We would love to hear your stories of the lives you are changing for the better!!
Please email
Sandi McFarland
and you might see your story in a future
Trans4ming News
newsletter!
Please remember to not share specific details or names. A Permission to Print form will be sent to individuals whose stories have been chosen.
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The Trans4m Center | 214.887.0726 | trans4mcenter.org
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STAY CONNECTED
@trans4mcenter
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