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Here's How One Small Town Beat The Opioid Epidemic

Dan Vergano

February 25, 2019 |

Buzzfeed |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Little Falls, Minnesota

Cities that invest in multi-faceted opioid addiction treatment programs succeed in lowering overdose deaths. In Little Falls, Minnesota, the idea of “medication-assisted treatment” includes combining the traditional use of drugs like Suboxone to wean heavy opioid dependency with additional measures, including hospital oversight to reduce excess prescriptions and the coordination of care between social workers, doctors, nurses, teachers, and even law enforcement. Cities with successful public health programs treating opioid addiction rely on federal and state grants as well as donations.

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EMT will make house calls to help NH drug users find recovery

Shawne K. Wickham

February 19, 2019 |

New Hampshire Union Leader |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, fire departments are implementing a new approach to address the state’s drug crisis that turns stations into “mobile Safe Stations.” While this allows anyone to walk into a fire station to seek help, NH Project FIRST (First Responders Initiating Recovery, Support & Training) also sends teams back to a person's house after the individual has already been treated for an overdose situation in order to offer further resources.

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A Cry For Baby Cuddlers In San Antonio As Opioid Crisis Deepens

Bonnie Petrie

February 07, 2019 |

Texas Public Radio (KSTX) |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, San Antonio, Texas

As the rates of infants born with opioid addictions rises, volunteer baby cuddlers are helping to fill the gap in overwhelmed neonatal units in Texas. Although there are still not enough hands to go around for the amount of babies being admitted, those that are able to receive an assigned baby cuddler are not just receiving comfort but are also able to ween off their addiction at a quicker rate.

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The streets weren't safe for drug users. So these countries created spaces for them.

Taylor Knopf

February 04, 2019 |

North Carolina Health News |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Switzerland, Geneva

Despite hesitance and not complete buy-in, European countries are seeing signs of success from implementing drug consumption rooms. While the United States has been hesitant to adopt this tactic as a solution for fear of normalization of drug use, countries with these facilities are reporting less “injection-related litter in public spaces,” increased public awareness, less stigma, and fewer overdoses.

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States Battle the Devastating Opioid Crisis with Data

Theo Douglas

February 01, 2019 |

Government Technology |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Indiana

States across the country are using technology to find innovative ways to battle the opioid crisis, including heat maps of naloxone administrations and data hubs for information sharing across local boundaries. The changes have helped states develop early warning systems and increased emergency response for those who've been revived by naloxone, and states are hoping for more improved results from the technology soon.

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Blunting Addiction's Impact

Gaby Galvin Steve Sternberg

January 28, 2019 |

U.S. News & World Report |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Millions of Americans are addicted to and hundreds of thousands have died from opioids, but learning what hasn't worked in treating the epidemic is providing a path forward to creating solutions that do have impact. From making medication-assisted treatment more accessible and less stigmatized to expanding Medicaid coverage and implementing harm reduction strategies, states across the U.S. are piloting new initiatives based off the knowledge gained from assessing the limitations of previous approaches.

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Evolution of Ambulance Services

Judi Currie

January 23, 2019 |

Granite State News Collaborative |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Manchester, New Hampshire

Across New Hampshire, eight different emergency programs are being piloted that creatively use ambulance services to bolster community health care. In a state that has witnessed the need for mental health services and responses to the opioid epidemic, emergency medical services are often on the frontlines. Recognizing this opportunity, programs like Safe Station, which provides those with substance abuse issues a space to seek help, are being developed.

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The drug that saved the people who overdosed in Chico

Soumya Karlamangla

January 20, 2019 |

Los Angeles Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chico, California

To reduce deaths caused by overdosing, Chico police have begun carrying naloxone in their squad cars to administer on site, rather than waiting for paramedics to arrive. Although not all police departments have participated in this approach, there is a growing drive to make it the standard.

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How Vancouver is saving addicts' lives

Jeremy Cooke

January 08, 2019 |

BBC |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia

Rather than treat opioid users like criminals, Vancouver has deemed it a public health crisis. The city, especially its downtown east side, witnessed 1,500 deaths in just one year from opioid use. Its approach is unique and multi-pronged – making Narcan, an overdose antidote, available to everyone, opening safe injection sites, and having a police presence – without arrests – on blocks where using remains high.

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BA boy and his 'Bigs:' Not just friends, they're family

Shawne K. Wickham

December 22, 2018 |

New Hampshire Union Leader |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Somersworth, New Hampshire

Big Brothers Big Sisters New Hampshire is helping children impacted by substance abuse in their families by offering services and supports through mentorship. The program has existed for more than 50 years and has recently seen a rise in kids looking for guidance in the wake of the opioid epidemic.

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