We are experiencing some scary times in this drug war against opioids but armoring ourselves with the training and education we need to fight back is exactly what we need for the hope of the next generation and for that, I’m so thankful for our CTGR staff who are doing just that.
Did you know that Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine?
Last week I, along with 351 other tribal employees attended a Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness training that will continue into next week facilitated by Sarah Harvey, HR Director in partnership with Sergeant Rod McCallister, covering some pretty tough topics tactfully and thoughtfully. We learned Signs of an Overdose and how to effectively administer NARCAN that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose and saves lives. We cringed at the recounting of a story of a family on vacation whose toddler died after coming into contact with residual fentanyl in their rental home after being laid down to take a nap. It’s an unspeakable and horrific tragedy that no family should have to face.
In 2017, Oregon became the 11th State to Pass a “Good Samaritan Law” that helps those who decide to help. In short, the Law protects a caller making a report of a possible overdose and also protects the person who has overdosed from being arrested or prosecuted for drug-related charges or parole violations based on information provided. Oregon law also allows people to carry and use NARCAN so that we can be prepared to save a life of someone in need. (When in doubt of an overdose, call 911).
Ultimately, the prevention, education and training of staff and community members is what will lead to recovery and for that I’m so grateful to Human Resources, Tribal Police and Health & Wellness/Prevention staff and everyone who comes together to provide for our community in such a powerful way to bring healing.
Please continue to educate yourself on this very important topic. To take a deeper dive on the Opioid Epidemic and how we got here, the following six episodes in the podcast Poison I found to be very informative and eye opening: https://www.poison.org/articles/podcastIn the midst of terrible crises, it’s easy to be overwhelmed but I’m always so hopeful when I see a unified tribal community coming together and for that I’m so thankful, namely, the Great Circle Recovery (Medically Assisted Treatment) who provides same day access to opioid treatment, hayu masi to our Health & Wellness staff and everyone who provides hope in the hearts and minds of others, you’re a blessing.