Iowa Opioid Response
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health on the Iowa Opioid Response Grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health. The goal of this awareness of opioid and stimulant risks through prevention efforts. We will be focusing on prevention of opioid and stimulants such as methamphetamine in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties.
We are working with healthcare providers, first responders, and businesses in order to provide training to the community and increase knowledge about local resources for individuals, and family and friends of those with a substance use disorder. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is another aspect of this grant. Narcan is used for the treatment of known or suspected opioid overdoses.
Since 2016, Iowa has had a standing order of Narcan in order to allow easy distribution. With this grant, we will also be promoting Tele-Naloxone, which is a partnership through the Iowa Department of Public Health and the University of Iowa in order to distribute Narcan to Iowans for free. Tele-Naloxone is a program set up to prepare individuals for an overdose incident. In order to do this, the person would call 319-678-7825 to set up an appointment with a pharmacist, in which they will assist the person in getting Narcan sent to their home.
To join our efforts for a safer community, attend your county’s upcoming coalition meeting. For more information or any questions, contact Brooke Kunkel at bkunkel@helpingservices.org or 563-387-1720. You can also visit our website at www.helpingservices.org.