Abstract
The Cherokee County Health Services Council is requesting $424,919 to support the Cherokee County Health Services Council-Opioid Response Initiative (ORI). The ORI will serve the law enforcement and first responder organizations in three rural and one semi-rural counties in northeastern Oklahoma—Adair, Cherokee, Mayes, and Sequoyah. Additionally, ORI will provide Narcan/naloxone training to stakeholder organizations who may be called to act as a first responder in emergency situations (schools, social service organizations, community centers, etc.). ORI is projected to train 400 first responders and stakeholders in Year 1 and 600 annually in Years 2, 3, and 4. The total to be served is 2200.
The overarching goal of the Opioid Response Initiative is to increase the number of emergency reversals of known or suspected opioid overdoses by providing resources, training, and support to first responders and stakeholder community organizations in four counties in northeastern Oklahoma (75% rural, 22% semi-rural).
Objective 1. By August 2027, provide resources to 2200 first responders to support the purchase and distribution of naloxone. Included in this objective is hiring staff to fill three program positions.
Objective 2. By August 2027, provide drug and naloxone training and resources to 2200 first responders and key stakeholders in four counties.
Objective 3. By August 2027, establish processes, protocols, and mechanisms for making and tracking referrals to appropriate treatment programs in four counties.
Objective 4. By March 2024, develop and submit a Naloxone Education and Distribution Plan.
Objective 5. By August 2027, form an advisory committee of at least 11 representatives from, but not limited to, stakeholder entities, police departments and fire departments, treatment programs, and medical/mental health providers serving our targeted counties and communities.
ORI staff will work with agencies in all four counties to schedule and present Narcan training, provide information, and cultivate resources and referral agencies. Through monthly monitoring, ORI staff will maintain Narcan supplies across the counties, track on OD events and when appropriate, work with opioid overdose victims to provide information, referrals and support.
An advisory committee membership that crosses jurisdictional boundaries will be created to inform and assess the activities of the ORI and provide advice and guidance.