All substance-affected individuals and families fare better physically and emotionally against the impacts of substance use through reduced stigma and increased awareness of community resources.
Polk County % Life Has Been Negatively Affected by Substance Use (by Self or Someone Else)
Current Value
45%
Definition
Story Behind the Indicator
In 2024, nearly half of respondents reported their lives being negatively affected by substance use, either directly or indirectly (self or someone else). Though this value is lower than the 2021 value, Polk County has still seen an overall increasing trend since 2018. Substance use in Polk County tells a similar story to the national level, where drugs, especially tobacco products and opioids, are widespread and widely used. Reversing the substance use trend will require support not only for individuals who use drugs, but also for their families, peers, and communities who also report feeling negative effects in some form from substance use.
What's Helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Reducing drug availability
- Education and skills training
- Housing support for chronically homeless individuals or those impacted by mental illness
What's Hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue in our community.
- Lack of funding for treatment programs
- Lack of education and programs in schools
- Opioid over-prescription
- Stigma surrounding use and recovery
- Easy access to vape products
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.