The Herald-Times recently reported that Monroe County accidental overdoses have more than doubled in the last year. Though experts believe that the pandemic is likely a contributing cause, there are multiple possibilities for the escalation including inconsistent ingredients and varying levels in illegally produced drugs which can prove to be fatal.
Late last year the CDC reported that over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States between May 2019 and May 2020. While COVID likely accelerated this trend, numbers were already reportedly rising prior to the pandemic.
Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement for the State of Indiana said, “We’re expanding access to mental health treatment for those incarcerated in our county jails and our opioid programs have the flexibility to provide extended medication to patients. Our syringe service programs received a five-year extension beyond the previous 2020 sunset, ensuring these programs can continue to focus on serving their community and continue to be an entry point for treatment.”
If you know someone who needs assistance with locating resources regardless of where they are in their recovery journey, visit the Stride Coalition website.
BHF is a proud funding partner for the Stride Center, one of the first facilities of its kind in the state of Indiana. The 24-hour crisis diversion center functions as a de-escalation place for people who are experiencing a crisis with mental health or substance use disorder, rather than jail or the emergency room. Often, people in crisis simply need a safe place to go with trained professionals that can offer the support and services they may need.
In February BHF provided an update on the Center, including guest counts and referrals, which you can find here. You can locate more information at StrideCoalition.org.
Like what you’re reading?
Recent Comments