Saturday, November 23, 2024
11/23/2024
The Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC), d/b/a Eskenazi Health, is applying for funding to provide support for Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services and Project POINT (Planned Outreach, Intervention, Naloxone, and Treatment) in the Eskenazi Health Emergency Department to combat the epidemic of opioid overdose in Marion County, Indiana. The Eskenazi Health First Responders Naloxone Support Program will help provide naloxone training and naloxone supplies to first responders in Marion County, Indiana. The rate of fatal opioid overdose deaths is higher in Marion County than across Indiana and nationwide. Opioid overdose deaths in Marion County decreased steadily from 2016 to 2018 by 15%, increasing again in 2019 compared to 2018. By the end of 2020 the number of opioid deaths increased sharply by more than 56% compared to 2019. Emergency department visits involving opioid overdoses saw a steady increase from 2016 to 2020. By the end of 2020, they increased by 128% compared to 2016. A study conducted by MCPHD Safe Syringe Access and Support Program (SSAS) with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Laboratories over a three-month period in 2021 showed that syringes retrieved from SSAS and tested at IDOH Labs indicate a large variety of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in the circulating drug supply. IEMS, EH ED Project POINT, and Eskenazi Health Pharmacy will provide resources to support the availability and use of naloxone devices for emergency reversal of known or suspected opioid overdose to first responders, revived overdose patients, and patients seeking substance use treatment. The primary goal is to decrease the numbers of opioid overdose deaths in Marion County. IEMS will train and provide resources for first responders, ED staff, and members of other key community sectors. Project POINT staff will train revived overdose victims and patients who request assistance with opioid withdrawal on the following to decrease the numbers of opioid overdose deaths in Marion County: -Carrying and administering naloxone -Education and safety measures around fentanyl, carfentanil, and other dangerous licit and illicit drugs. -Establishing policies and procedures for the implementation of evidence-based trauma-informed care practices. IEMS and Project POINT are in the ideal situation to reach the majority of first responders and first-responders-in-training over the four years of the grant. More than 10,000 individuals will receive training and access to naloxone, thereby reducing opioid overdose deaths in the county. Number of Unduplicated Individuals to be Trained with Grant Funds: -Year 1: 3,112 -Year 2: 1,954 -Year 3: 3,112 -Year 4: 1,954 -Total: 10,132
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
