The Starke Taskforce for Overdose Prevention will be able to start implementing some of its goals, thanks to funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Last month, it was announced that the group was awarded a $1 million grant as part of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. According to draft minutes from this month’s Starke County Opioid Consortium meeting, that funding will allow the group to focus on various prevention, treatment, and recovery activities.
When it comes to prevention, the consortium hopes to expand training for overdose reversal medications, educate family members and others who know someone with substance or opioid use disorder to reduce stigma, and teach professionals how to identify those disorders.
Members also hope to improve treatment by recruiting providers, reducing barriers to treatment, and working with law enforcement and first responders to make sure people are getting the treatment they need. Plans also call for the development of “recovery communities” and making sure those who have been discharged from treatment facilities or released from jail get follow-up services.
During the meeting, members also pointed out that the consortium is looking to add people who are currently in recovery, along with a dentist, since a lot of opioids are prescribed by dentists. Additionally, the Starke Taskforce for Overdose Prevention is coordinating with Constellation of Starke, as two groups put together and implement their own plans.
The taskforce also continues to look into other grant opportunities. One would provide monthly online training sessions on various topics related to the group’s goals.
