Full Notification

For immediate release:  August 14, 2019
 
Contact:          Jennifer Harris
                        Lincoln County Health Department
                        Phone: 636-528-6117 x 403
 
Subject:           New Coalition Formed to Unite Against Opioids: Lincoln County Community Opioid Response Efforts (CORE)
 
New Coalition Formed to Unite Against Opioids: Lincoln County Community Opioid Response Efforts (CORE)
 
Troy, MO- A new coalition has been formed in Lincoln County to unite against opioids. Called Lincoln County CORE (Community Opioid Response Efforts), the coalition includes agencies with an interest in addressing the opioid epidemic in Lincoln County.  Agencies and groups represented include the Lincoln County Health Department, Lincoln County Ambulance District, Mercy Hospital Lincoln, Preferred Family Healthcare, Probation and Parole, Elsberry Police Department, St. Stephen United Methodist Church, NCADA, community members, and more.
 
The mission statement for CORE is “Ending the epidemic of opioid addiction affecting Lincoln County to improve the lives of residents who are experiencing mental health and substance use issues, and their families.  This will be accomplished through a focus on the following areas: Resources, Advocacy, Prevention.”  Some major activities the group hopes to accomplish are improving the system of treatment and resources available to residents, enhancing awareness of the issue among policymakers, and increasing education about the issue to the community.
 
In March of 2019, the Lincoln County Health Department hosted its first Opioid Summit for Community Providers. The purpose of the summit was to gather Lincoln County providers and discuss the opioid problem as it relates to Lincoln County, and identify opportunities for future collaboration. In addition to speakers, breakout sessions allowed for providers to network and have discussions. CORE is a group that has emerged because of the summit.
 
The opioid problem has significantly affected Lincoln County.  Lincoln County Ambulance District administered more than 100 doses of naloxone in 2018.  Also in 2018, there were 16 opioid overdose deaths in the county, following a 64% increase in the number of deaths between 2013 and 2017.  Between 2013 and 2016, the number of Lincoln County babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) increased by more than 200%.  NAS is a group of conditions caused when a baby suffers withdrawal from certain drugs to which they are exposed before birth.
 
If you are interested in learning more about CORE or joining, please visit the website at https://lchdmo.org/core.  Businesses, community members, and other agencies are all welcome.