This program was identified by partner as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in substance abuse in our community. This is an ongoing program in our community.

The priority population/customers for this program is the community, and the program aims to make a difference at the individual and organizational level. Implementation will take place in the community.

The opioid use and overdose crisis continues to worsen in our community and is an increasing cause of mortality among all groups. This program allows for increased access to the tools needed to combat the overdose crisis including education, trainings, and Naloxone Rescue Kits. 

The partners who can play a role in this program include members of the Polk County Substance Misuse Coalition and:

• Polk County Schools

• Sunrise Community

• Faith community

• County leaders

• Providers (RHA, Family Preservation, Blue Ridge Community Health)

• Polk County HHSA

• Employers

• St. Luke's Hospital

• Seniors

• Media

• Polk County families

We are pleased to report that our efforts to expand the Naloxone program in our community have been making steady progress over the past several months.

Our initial efforts focused on increasing awareness of the program among community members and healthcare providers. To that end, we launched an educational campaign that included informational flyers, social media outreach, and presentations to local partners. We also established partnerships with local organizations to ensure they had access to Naloxone for the clients they encountered. 

As a result of these efforts, we have seen a significant increase in the number of Naloxone kits distributed and trainings offered in our community. To date, we have distributed over 160 kits to individuals who are at high risk of opioid overdose, including those who use opioids themselves or who have family members who use opioids. 

We have also expanded the availability of Naloxone training to include community organizations, businesses, and other groups. Our training sessions provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Naloxone.

Moving forward, we plan to continue expanding the Naloxone program in our community by working closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies. Our goal is to ensure that Naloxone is readily available to anyone who may need it and that individuals in our community are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to save lives.

For 2023, we have several community trainings planned, as well as plans to increase availability of Naloxone through the use of vending machines.

In 2023, significant strides were made in expanding our naloxone program within the community to address the pressing needs of individuals affected by opioid overdose. Multiple events were organized throughout the year to enhance the availability and accessibility of naloxone, a life-saving medication. Notably, one of these events featured Tony Hoffman, drawing an attendance of over 250 individuals. Hoffman's presence and message likely catalyzed community engagement and awareness surrounding opioid overdose prevention and naloxone administration.

Furthermore, our efforts to broaden access to naloxone received a boost with the securing of a grant from the Gateway Foundation. This grant enabled the initiation of a vending machine program designed to provide round-the-clock access to naloxone. By strategically locating these vending machines in accessible areas within the community, individuals can obtain naloxone promptly, thereby increasing the likelihood of timely intervention during opioid-related emergencies.

Our commitment to expanding access to naloxone was further reinforced through a fruitful partnership with the Sunrise Community in Asheville. Together, we collaborated to provide Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, invaluable tools in detecting potentially lethal substances and preventing overdoses. This partnership not only enhanced our ability to respond effectively to the evolving challenges posed by opioid misuse but also underscored our dedication to harm reduction strategies.

Additionally, the Sunrise Community played a pivotal role in facilitating naloxone trainings, both for the community at large and our staff. By leveraging their expertise and resources, we were able to deliver comprehensive training sessions aimed at equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to administer naloxone and respond effectively to opioid-related emergencies. Through these collaborative efforts, we empowered community members and staff alike to take proactive steps in saving lives and addressing the opioid crisis head-on.

The partnership with the Sunrise Community exemplifies our shared commitment to innovation, education, and community engagement in the fight against opioid overdose deaths. Together, we continue to explore new avenues and expand our reach to ensure that naloxone remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard the well-being of individuals affected by opioid misuse in our community.