“More than 64,000 Americans were killed by drug overdoses in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and at least two-thirds of those deaths were caused by opioids.” (NIFI Issue Advisory “What Should We do about the Opioid Epidemic”) Like most of our nation, Marshall County, Kentucky also finds themselves in the substance abuse battle ranging from prescription drugs to methamphetamine to synthetics.  The opioid epidemic is the fastest growing area in this battle and affects community health, families, neighborhoods, workforces, and so much more.

UK Cooperative Extension Service is represented on Marshall County’s Health Coalition and Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) by the County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development.  These two groups work simultaneously with various partners and agencies to address substance abuse in the community.  In Fall 2018, the Marshall County 4-H Youth Development Program was presented with a unique opportunity to host a Community Forum/Discussion on the opioid epidemic.  This community discussion was a collaborative effort with Marshall County Health Coalition’s Chairperson, County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, and Kentucky’s CES Special Projects Coordinator.

On November 27, 2018, thirty youth and adults representing 4-H, school system, various health & government agencies, and law enforcement met for an open, honest, and healthy discussion about the opioid epidemic.  The group analyzed and discussed three potential community responses as presented by the National Issues Forum Institute’s “What Should We do About the Opioid Epidemic?” program.  The focus of the three options discussed were: 1) Treatment for All; 2) Enforcement; and 3) Individual Choice.  The group discussed how these options could play out in our local community with current resources and opportunities.  The group agreed to keep pushing education on the topic for children, families, and community as a whole.  They also felt gathering again six to nine months later would be good to possibly develop an action plan.

Based on National Issues Forum Institute surveys completed, responses to the following questions were:

Did you talk about aspects of the issue you hadn’t considered before?

1. I didn’t personally speak (up during the session), but I realized the extent of the program and how hard it is to treat.
2. It was interesting to see the various view because of the different jobs and roles people have in society.
3. I feel like I’m a little green when it comes to opioid abuse, so many things said here are eye-opening.
4. I had never considered the focus on individual choice which I oppose.
5. I hadn’t realized how bad it was, and how it affects children in drug using homes.

What could citizens, working together, do in their own communities to address this problem? Suggestions made were:

1. Create a solution-based group that looks at opioid addition as a community-wide issue.
2. Awareness, support systems, mentoring.
3. Help people realize they have a program and they shouldn’t be ashamed to get help.
4. Acknowledge the problems people early in the start of their addition and help to intervene.
5. Educate themselves, educate others.  Reduce stigma!  
6. Talk.  Be open to talk to people about it!

Since the community discussion, the Marshall County High School’s Gold Club Advisor and County 4-H Youth Development Agent have worked with ASAP to identify updated substance abuse curriculums for possible use in the schools.  The high school is working with Kentucky State Police to present a program to all of the students regarding substance abuse.  Community discussions and presentations on substance abuse and mental health have been implemented and future programs planned.

The battle on substance abuse will continue to be a focus for Marshall County as we work together to make the community healthy and viable for all!