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Young Victims of the Opioid Epidemic – The New York Times

parental substance image

After declining for several years, the number of children in foster care jumped 8 percent nationally, to 428,000, between fiscal years 2012 and 2015, the most recent data available. Experts say opioid abuse accounts for a lot of that increase. Officials cited parental substance abuse as a reason for removing children from families in 32.2 percent of cases in 2015, up from 28.5 percent in 2012. But these numbers very likely understate the problem, because local officials often fail to report drug and alcohol abuse and list most cases under the broad category of “parental neglect.”

To read the full article about the number of children impacted by parental substance abuse click on the link below:

Source: Young Victims of the Opioid Epidemic – The New York Times

Ky. has twice U.S. rate of drug-dependent babies

According to an article published by the Courier Journal, Kentucky doubles the national rate on babies born dependent to drugs.

Rate of Drug-Dependent Babies

(per 1,000 live births)

U.S.                   Kentucky

2008     2.8                   5.0

2009     3.6                   6.6

2010     5.0                   7.8

2011     5.2                   10.7

2012     6.1                   12.5

2013     7.3                   15.1

2014     n/a                   21.2

You can read the entire article by clicking on the link below: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/wellness/health/2017/01/14/ky-has-twice-us-rate-drug-dependent-babies/93788154/

Drug users could lose access to treatment if Obamacare is repealed – VICE News

For individuals battling addiction and looking for treatment,  affordable health insurance could be the difference between life or death.  Prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), pre-existing conditions like cancer or diabetes could exclude someone from getting health insurance; mental health conditions and addiction treatment was often times limited and in some cases not covered at all.  The Affordable Care Act brought parity to health insurance coverage and guaranteed coverage for conditions that were once excluded.

The repeal of the Affordable Care Act is a hot topic on the political platform and we believe it is important to share information and facts with the public about how the ACA has been a game changer (and life saver) for those individuals seeking treatment for their addiction.  HBO aired a segment on Jan. 3, 2017 to discuss how the ACA has impacted Louisville, Kentucky and how the hasty repeal could have negative consequences for those seeking drug treatment.  More than 33,000 died in 2015 across the United States due to drug overdoses.

This segment originally aired Jan. 3, 2017 on VICE News Tonight on HBO.  To view the segment click on the link below:

Source: Drug users could lose access to treatment if Obamacare is repealed – VICE News

Happy Holidays

Let’s not forget that this time of year may not be so joyous for families who have lost loved ones to an addiction.  Many more families are still entangled in the web of an addiction from a family member and are still searching for support and help.

According to Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), during January 1, 2011 – June 30, 2015 there were 4,707 overdose deaths in the state of Kentucky.  Sadly, that number has continued to grow.  Compound that number by the number of family members touched by each life lost and chances are you know a family that is suffering this holiday season.

Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.

Blessings,

SOS for Addictions

 

 

 

Overdose Prevention Training — Free Session

When:  Monday, November 28, 2016
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: Louisville Metro Dept. of Public Health and Wellness
400 E. Gray St.
Louisville, KY 40202

It only takes 15-20 minutes to get trained on how to save someone from overdosing on heroin.  Free Narcan kits and training provided by the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition. Walk ins welcome.  No appointment needed.

 

Learn How to Respond to an Overdose Emergency with Narcan Training

When:  Monday, October 24, 2016
11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where:  Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness
400 E. Gray St.
Louisville, KY 40202

It only takes 15-20 minutes to get trained on how to save someone from overdosing on heroin.  Free Narcan kits and training provided by the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition. Walk ins welcome.  No appointment needed.

Our Lady of Peace and Operation: PARENT Open House

Our Lady of Peace and Operation: PARENT cordially invite you to attend their open house on September 28, 2016.

1350 North Hwy. 393 LaGrange, KY 40031

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stop in to meet the staff, enjoy a light lunch, and learn more about the many programs and services they provide in Oldham county and some of the surrounding counties regarding substance abuse education and treatment.  Both offices are conveniently located on the Oldham County High School Campus.

For more information contact Lisa Prewitt at (502) 432-2011 or lisaprewitt@kyonehealth.org

 

New Support Group Coming to Henry County, Kentucky

A new Celebrate Recovery support group will be starting up in Henry County, Kentucky.  Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based program that targets the addictive nature rather than the substance.  Anyone struggling with an addiction, unwanted habit or hurt is encouraged to attend.  The first meeting will be Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at New Castle First Baptist Church, 47 East Cross Main Street, New Castle, Ky. 40050 @ 6:30 pm.