Overdose Prevention, HCV Screening, Peer Support,
PLUS Wellness

The Opioid Epidemic In Rural America

Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury or death in the United States, resulting in approximately 52,000 deaths in 2015. In rural areas, rates of drug overdose deaths are rising and have surpassed rates in urban areas.

Rural areas have a lower percentage of people reporting illicit drug use than urban areas. However, the effects of illicit drug use are higher in rural areas. Among people who had used illicit drugs in the past year, the percentage of people with drug use disorders is similar for rural and urban areas.

Most rural overdose deaths occurred in homes. At home, rescue efforts may fall to relatives who have limited knowledge of or access to naloxone and overdose follow-up care.

Opioid Crisis, Hepatitis C, HIV Syndemic

The opioid crisis is one of the greatest public health challenges facing the U.S., causing an unprecedented surge in overdose deaths, and fueling the rapid rise in new Hepatitis C infections... in communities across the country. As opioid abuse rates have skyrocketed, new Hepatitis C infections have also increased. As many as 4 million Americans are living with Hepatitis C (https://hepvu.org/resources/opioids/).

The HIV and Hepatitis C Syndemic

A syndemic refers to two or more interrelated epidemics that are mutually reinforcing and interact in a way that amplifies the overall burden of disease. Although not all people who abuse opioids inject drugs, people who inject drugs are at significantly higher risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses, including HIV and Hepatitis C (https://hepvu.org/resources/opioids/)

The West Has the Highest Burden

The Western U.S. has the highest rate of people with evidence of Hepatitis C infection, with 10 of the region’s 13 states having an estimated Hepatitis C prevalence above the national median.

There is also a concentration of Hepatitis C in Appalachia, likely related to the opioid epidemic in these states. Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee are now among the 10 hardest-hit states.

In 2022, overdose-related mortality rates in Appalachia were 64% higher than the rest of the country for individuals aged 25-54.

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Baby Boomers and Young Adults

Three-fourths of Americans living with Hepatitis C are Baby Boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965). However, the largest increases in Hepatitis C infections over the last decade have been among individuals less than 40 years old and particularly among persons who inject drugs.

Overdose Prevention Stratagies That Work

Targeted Naloxone Distribution
Naloxone – a non-addictive, life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time. Targeted naloxone distribution programs seek to train and equip individuals who are most likely to encounter or witness an overdose—especially people who use drugs and first responders— with naloxone kits, which they can use in an emergency to save a life.
911 Good Samaritan Laws
The scope of 911 Good Samaritan Laws varies across U.S. states, but each is written with the goal of reducing barriers to calling 911 in the event of an overdose. This type of legislation may provide overdose victims and/or overdose bystanders with limited immunity from drug-related criminal charges and other criminal or judicial consequences that may otherwise result from calling first responders to the scene. Idaho's Law: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title37/t37ch27/sect37-2739c/
Peer Support
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as a selfdirected, person-centered process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential (SAMHSA, 2012). Recovery support services (RSS) are resources that can help individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) to achieve their self-defined recovery goals.

Evidence-Based Practice-Naloxone Distribution

How to reconize an overdose
- https://youtu.be/CkXEXsYWClU?si=PNiC5ToFt6myVtdo
Naloxone administration training
- https://youtu.be/B9Sv64FJPhg?si=ODwGpNs5lK16SZLt
Where to get Naloxone
- NIAC, we have it at our office in CDA, ID

Evidence-Based Substance Misuse Prevention Guide For Young Adults

Preventing substance misuse among young adults
- https://odp.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/SAMHSA-EBP-Guide-pep19-pl-guide-1.pdf

Naloxone Distribution

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

https://988lifeline.org/

Mutual Aid

Mutual aid for recovery refers to support systems where people in recovery from substance use or other challenges provide and receive support from each other. These groups, also known as self-help or support groups, are run by peers who have shared experiences, offering a space for sharing, learning, and encouragement. NIAC uses SMART Recovery as the host for our support groups.

The 4-Point Program

SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program is the organization’s flagship secular program serving those with addictive behaviors, including both substance and activity/process addictions. Trained volunteer facilitators lead effective mutual support group discussions on these topics: