Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

Importance: McCreary County has a major Opioid Epidemic. The local Ambulance Service/911 Director reported that the Ambulance Service is averaging two overdose runs per day. Overdose deaths in McCreary County is hard to track because we have no local hospital.  Overdose victims are taken to one of four regional hospitals where they are pronounced “dead on arrival”, so that overdose death is counted in the county where the hospital is located. In 2017 the local Health Department started a needle exchange program. In 2018 they serviced 172 clients, passed out 35,817 needles, 47% of clients reported that they shot up 9+ times per day, 32% reported that they shot up 6-8  times per day, 30% reported that they had Hepatitis. The local sheriff reported that over 80% of inmates from McCreary County are incarcerated due to drugs. 

Educational Program: A community meeting was held to address the issue. The program titled “The Community’s Role in Addressing the Opioid Crisis”. This program was the first of its kind to be held in McCreary County. Speakers from the community, regional prevention groups and UK Extension spoke on various topics such as, Current Status of the Epidemic, A Community Perspective (local sheriff, EMS/911, Cabinet for Families& Children & State Representative), Who is at Risk, The Science of Addiction & Recovery, Community Support Groups,  What is Naloxone & Prevention Strategies for the Community. A meal was served to all participants. The program was sponsored by the McCreary County Extension Service, McCreary County KY-ASAP, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and ADANTA Community Mental Health Center.

Role of Extension: The Extension District Board realizes the Opioid Epidemic and wants Extension to start programming in this area. Extension Agent worked with ADANTA in planning the program, secured the facilities, speakers, and meal, and MC’ed the program.

Impact:  Fifty six people attended the program. McCreary County – ASAP (Agency for Substance Abuse Policy) and the McCreary County Extension Service is in the process of planning the following programs for the community; Where to Get Help for the Addicted Person and How to Identify Addiction and How to Help.

            McCreary County was named, only one of two county in the state, a “Bright Spot” by the Appalachian Regional Commission, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky for Healthy Outcomes. Officials with the organizations said that McCreary County "defied predictions for health with better than expected outcomes" and were recognized for their efforts to address local health challenges. McCreary County was characterized by committed local leaders who are willing to partner and share resources, often across sectors, to improve the lives of their neighbors," said Mark Carter, chair of the FHKy and CEO of Passport Health Plan. "The goal (of the study) is to provide some pathways, some hope to increase physical activity, to treat and prevent substance abuse, to find a path to a healthier Appalachian Kentucky," said Ben Chandler, CEO of the Foundation.

            Evaluation: The ‘Bright Spot” designation was earned by numerous local organizations collaborating to address our health related problems such as drug abuse, diabetes, heart disease,  obesity and lack of physical activity.