The opioid crisis was declared a national public health emergency in October 2017. Opioid use disorder refers to those who are addicted to opioids like heroin, OxyContin, Percocet, fentanyl and others. Those who are trapped in a web of addiction could unintentionally end their life if they do not escape their daily cravings for opioids.
As a community health advocate for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, I work in partnership with Jordan Valley Community Health Center to help opioid-addicted patients by removing barriers that might prevent successful treatment. Barriers include inadequate or no housing, lack of food resources, transportation issues, employment, and others. By assisting patients in removing these barriers, we believe it will lead to a more successful treatment and recovery while giving the patient their next best chance.
Jordan Valley Community Health Center’s behavioral medicine and pain management clinics offer help through medication assisted treatment (MAT), mental health services, supportive peer groups, behavioral health consultants, and community health advocates.
A common medication used in MAT to manage opioid use disorder is buprenorphine. Brand names for buprenorphine include Subutex and Suboxone. Buprenorphine comes in different forms such as a tablet or a film that dissolves under the tongue. Once MAT is established, the doctor, medical team and patient will work closely together on an appropriate treatment plan for successful next steps in recovery and life.
Signs of opioid overdose
- Does not respond to voice or shaking
- Shallow breathing or gurgling sounds
- Pinpoint pupils
- Lips or fingernails blue or gray, face pale or clammy
If overdose is suspected, call 911 and administer rescue breathing and naloxone (Narcan).
Risk factors for opioid overdose
- Recent overdose
- IV use
- Using more than one drug
- Use after a period of abstinence.
Community Health Advocate Bob Monier, a retired Springfield firefighter, can be reached at 417-864-1498 or bmonier@springfieldmo.gov.