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Rowan County Public Health HOPE Program
Description
HOPE Rowan is dedicated to breaking the relentless cycle of repeat overdose by offering a multifaceted approach. Through their efforts, they provide crucial support systems, fostering connections to care networks, and imparting vital education. Their aim is to empower individuals, enabling them to transform harrowing near-death experiences into pivotal moments for positive change. By equipping people with the knowledge and resources they need, HOPE Rowan strives to pave the way towards recovery and the attainment of a more fulfilling life. Their comprehensive services encompass harm reduction and overdose prevention education, peer support and linkage to care, as well as the distribution of essential harm reduction supplies such as Narcan kits, fentanyl testing strips, and first aid materials. Through these initiatives, HOPE Rowan endeavors to instill hope and resilience within communities affected by substance use disorders, fostering pathways to healing and prosperity.
HOPE Rowan extends its services to a wide spectrum of individuals who have encountered or are at elevated risk of opioid overdose. Their support network encompasses those who have been prescribed opioid medications, individuals grappling with substance use disorder, and those who have recently undergone unintentional opioid overdoses. By catering to this diverse demographic, HOPE Rowan ensures that its resources and assistance reach those most in need, irrespective of their background or circumstances. Their inclusive approach underscores their commitment to addressing the pervasive challenges posed by opioid misuse and overdose within communities.
HOPE Rowan plays a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of substance misuse and opioid dependency by filling crucial service gaps within affected communities. Through their advocacy efforts, they champion the cause of individuals grappling with substance use disorder, striving to dismantle the barriers imposed by stigma. By raising awareness and fostering understanding within the community, HOPE Rowan endeavors to erode the harmful effects of societal misconceptions surrounding addiction. Moreover, their relentless advocacy serves as a catalyst for the expansion of services tailored to meet the needs of those afflicted by substance use disorder. Through these concerted efforts, HOPE Rowan leaves an indelible impact, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment conducive to healing and recovery.
Progress in 2022-2023
Refinement of the CHIP was done throughout 2022 and 2023. The Rowan County Public Health HOPE Program was added in 2024, therefore we have no progress to report in 2022 or 2023.
Progress in 2024
In December 2023, the HOPE program launched its Safe Syringe Program, which quickly became a key source for distributing Narcan, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. This initiative, along with the installation of two Narcan vending machines in the county jails in September 2023, has significantly expanded Narcan availability in Rowan County. Thanks to these efforts, 2024 has seen a notable increase in Narcan distribution across the community. Throughout the year, HOPE worked alongside community partners to establish four new mobile Narcan sites throughout the county, further enhancing access to this vital resource. In addition to Narcan distribution, HOPE has also been collaborating with law enforcement to receive dead-on-arrival (DOA) cases, helping address missed DOA calls when EMS was canceled. Though this process is still evolving, it has already led to more DOA cases being reported. With the expanded distribution through the Safe Syringe Program, mobile Narcan sites, and vending machines, we believe the rise in Narcan availability has played a crucial role in the decrease in reported overdoses in the county.
Measures
Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.