On April 18 at 6 p.m., the third Stakeholders Meeting was held at the Frankfort High School cafeteria. This Stakeholders Meeting covered “Intervention Services”. The panelists that participated were Rodney Wann (Department of Health), Leslie Douglass and Dr. John Shultz (Howard Community Regional Health), Keith Brehob (Wabash Valley Alliance), Cheryl Riddell (QSource), Libbi Smith (Healthy Communities of Clinton County), Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski (IU Health in Lafayette), and Dr. Stephen Tharp (St. Vincent’s Medical Group).
These panelists each had five minutes to share anything they or their organization did that was relevant to opioids as well as share any statistics they had available. Many of the panelists chose to share knowledge, giving an explanation to what opioids are, where they are from, and what treatment options they gave.
Cheryl Riddell spoke about the Special Innovation Project in place between CMS, QSource, and Healthy Communities of Clinton County. This project’s goal is to reduce the use and misuse of opioids in rural communities—specifically Clinton County and four others. QSource primarily works with Medicare patients and it was found that Indiana has the 14th highest prescription rate in the United States. 15% of all prescriptions given are opioids. The emergency room state prescribing rate is 13% and Clinton County has surpassed that significantly at 26%. Currently, Healthy Communities and QSource are partnered with IU Health in Frankfort and are attempting to educate recruited prescribers and educate patients in the community about opioids. To date, this project has recruited 78% of prescribers in Clinton County.
Keith Brehob from Wabash Valley Alliance shared information about the origin of opioids. WVA have an extensive outpatient treatment program as well as medically assisted treatment for those suffering from Substance Use Disorder. However, it was stated that Clinton County strongly needs more options for treatment.
An Addiction Psychiatrist from IU Health in Lafayette, Dr. Nick Piotrowski, was present. The IU Health team is a part of an integrative care team working to offer more treatment for mental health concerns as well as Substance Use Disorder treatment. Dr. Piotrowski is a member of the Drug-free Task Force in Tippecanoe County and gave information on what medically assisted treatment is and why it is important for many individuals long-term. “Medically assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment. There are many different parts of MAT other than just medication.” MAT increases the rate of recovery significantly.
Dr. John Shultz and Leslie Douglass from Howard Community Regional Health reported that Howard Community Regional Health offers medically assisted treatment; however, it is not just for opioid use disorder. Dr. Shultz stated that in his opinion, opioids are opioids and should not be villainized. Whether it is medication, heroin, or medication used to treat substance use disorder, an opioid is an opioid. He also stated that there should never be a chronic pain management that includes opiates unless it is for someone with a terminal illness. Leslie Douglass stated that there is a large shortage of licensed mental health professionals—not just in Clinton County, but in the nation.
Dr. Steven Tharp from St. Vincent’s Medical Center reported that their goal is to help reduce and treat those addicted to opioids. Our country has a culture of expecting a ‘pain-free’ life which can be detrimental because there is no such thing. The rates of the statistics that are actually reported aren’t 100% accurate because of the fact that what is reported is the bare minimum. We need to raise awareness and understanding about what kinds of people are at risk and how we can support them.
Rodney Wann from the Health Department clarified that the opioid issue is a public health emergency. There is an increase in some counties of outbreaks from certain STI’s (sexually transmitted infections) such as Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and other blood-born illnesses and diseases which has brought what is known as the Needle Exchange Program to other areas of the state. Currently, the Health Department has partnered with Healthy Communities of Clinton County for the last 3 years to make Narcan available to the public. They were also able to provide 100 extra kits into EMS. To put that in perspective, he stated that last year Clinton County used 74 kits. This was extremely helpful to be able to provide these free of charge.
Overall, the panelists shared impactful information and education to the community members present. United Way for Clinton County and Center Township would like to thank the panelists and the community members who took part in this event.
The next Stakeholder’s Meeting is scheduled for May 23 at 4 p.m.