Health

22 HEALTH • Fall 2018 W hen we talk about addiction and the opioid epidemic as a public health cri- sis, we tend to look at the nation as a whole or at the state level. The misuse of prescription opioids and heroin use is one of the most significant health threats in the United States today, claiming more lives than motor vehicle crashes, yet access to care is drastically low in some parts of the country. The real impact, however, is made at the city or town level. We're talking about real people in real communi- ties, facing drug and alcohol addic- tion whether it be their own, or that of their family, friends, neighbors, or local officials. Spectrum Health Systems recently implemented an education and train- ing program for nonprofits, health- care organizations, educational facili- ties, municipalities and more to learn about the disease of addiction, and how to address it on their level. Build awareness and provide education The amount of misconceptions about addiction can be astounding, but it's an opportunity to step in and help the public truly understand what the disease is and how it affects indi- viduals and communities. Training sessions on how to administer naloxone, the opioid over- dose-reversing medication, learning about medication-assisted treatment and studying the varying levels of addiction treatment are valuable for anyone to know. I recently visited the town of Randolphand their Department of Public Works employees for a train- ing session about addiction. One attendee told about speaking to a young person about the dangers of heroin and addiction. Another attendee became more aware of the dangers of binge drinking with friends. Many people feel that addic- tion will never affect them, but the line crossing into dangerous territory is often blurred. Having that aware- ness is invaluable. The real key in educating a large group of people? Openness and flexi- bility. We all come from different backgrounds and have unique life experiences. Presenting this topic with a fair and open mind is essential to reach each person. Be proactive We often see committee after committee being developed, meeting after meeting held, but no actionable plan put in place. When Jean McGinty, a public health nurse at the Randolph Health Department, saw that the opioid epidemic was in full effect with no plans set in stone, she ordered naloxone for the town and schedule educational trainings and interactive sessions for employees. Additionally, McGinty is establishing a program that sends a town repre- sentative to the homes of those who have overdosed to offer support. Randolph is also focused on the future, more specifically our youth. How do today's high school and junior high school students view addiction? How deeply have they been affected? Establishing aware- ness early will help tomorrow's adults build resiliency and strength to combat this chronic disease and help those in their community who need it. Save lives, establish resiliency Many towns have trainings for CPR, First Aid and more, but addic- tion treatment has been a unspoken topic for quite some time. When local officials and citizens alike step-up and take the bull by the horns, that's building resiliency. Be proactive in knowledge and in action. In Massachusetts, 1,874 people died from an overdose in 2017. Today, order naloxone. Book those trainings. Think about each and every citizen in your town who needs or may need help. In this way, we build a stronger and healthier community through resiliency. Romas Buivydas is the vice president of clinical development at Spectrum Health Systems. More Than Just 'General Surgery' Stephen Hilborn, MD Thomas Johnson, MD Evan Provisor, MD Colette Whitby, MD • Cancer Cell Excision • Mastectomy (coordination with Plastic Surgery for reconstruction) • Port Placement for IV Treatment • Oophorectomy (Ovariectomy) with BRCA2 Positive 100 South St., Suite 108 Southbridge MA 01550 (508) 764-6966 harringtonhospital.org Additional surgical services include gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomies, chest/thoracic bowel resections and more. When Facing Addiction, How Communities Can Build Resilience CONSUMER ADVICE By Romas Buivydas H

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