How would we experience Jackson County Residents are Drug Free in our community?

If Jackson County residents are drug free, we would experience a decrease in overdoses, youth marijuana & vaping, and smoking/smokeless tobacco use rates and a reduction in substance use-related crime. Further, we would experience a more vibrant workforce and an increase in substance use counselors within the area, fewer auto accidents, less need for social services, police, EMS, and ER medical services, less homelessness and more options for treatment and recovery for substance use disorder.

What information led to the selection of this health issue and related result?

Substance abuse originally emerged as a health priority during the 2011 CHA. Topics identified as particularly concerning during the 2021 CHA process were:

• Overdose rates
• Deaths with heroin/fentanyl
• Youth tobacco use (especially e-cigarettes)

In terms of feasibility, the increase of youth tobacco use with the popularity of e-cigarette products has become a main concern of public school officials and families in Jackson County. Jackson County has/is receiving funding through the Opioid Settlement and other forms of funding to combat substance use. The action team will focus on supporting these efforts.