Prevention is key in opioid battle in Perry County

Newsrooms across the commonwealth have spent years documenting the opioid crisis in their own communities. But now, in the special project State of Emergency: Searching for Solutions to Pennsylvania’s Opioids Crisis, we are marshalling resources to spotlight what Pennsylvanians are doing to try to reverse the soaring number of overdose deaths.

WITF is releasing more than 60 stories, videos and photos throughout July. This week, you will find stories about education, prevention and community support.

It only involves a wave, a question, a show of interest.

The simple act of paying attention to a neighbor is one way health officials in Perry County hope opioid abuse won’t continue to be a problem for another generation.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition this year launched its “I Am The Solution” campaign, involving health agencies, including the Cumberland-Perry Drug & Alcohol Commission and Perry Human Services. The campaign aims to get residents more invested in their community.

“We need a multi-pronged strategy. One point of the prong that gets a short shrift, in my opinion, is an ongoing focus on prevention on all levels – not just adults,” said Jack Carroll, executive director of the commission.

“It’s humbled us into realizing we’re not going to turn this around on a dime. It’ll be like turning an ocean liner,” he added.

The campaign primarily targets adults, with Facebook being the chosen social media outlet to get the message to followers. Campaign members post and promote information about events, summer camps, reading programs and other opportunities for youth.

While the campaign and other methods have gained ground in Cumberland County, where there are more events and programs to promote, Perry County had not been a focus.

“There are a number of disadvantages that rural counties have,” Carroll said. “There are fewer people and fewer resources.”

One resource Perry County residents do have is Perry Human Services.

Something Carroll said Perry Human Services excels at is its established connection with school districts in Perry County. The organization offers community prevention programs in schools, providing resource materials and student assistance, as well as faculty in-service training, consultation services and educational support groups.

Having an organization like that in the county is also important given that transportation is a challenge, said Kristin Daneker, executive director of Perry Human Services.

“Transportation is a big barrier for our county,” she said, noting that clients would need transportation for the organization’s case management services. “We don’t have anything other than rabbittransit here.”

Daneker said she has a lot on her wish list of what Perry County could offer, from the Vivitrol pilot program currently at Cumberland County Prison, to child care, to simply having one doctor who can subscribe Suboxone for medicated-assisted treatment. Perry Human Services is looking to establish a program with recovery specialists, especially those who can help people recently released from prison.

Despite the challenges, health officials are dedicated to pursuing prevention methods in the county.

“We try to give the school information and education starting at a young age,” Daneker said. “I think it’s getting there. It’s going to be a slow process. It makes our job even more challenging – we’re fighting an uphill battle. But we’re up for the challenge.”