Prevention & Recovery: A Team Effort

From the SOS Berks Chairpersons Coalition Co-Chairs: Kevin S. Barnhardt, Commissioner, County of Berks, and Stanley J. Papademetriou, Executive Director, Council on Chemical Abuse

The overdose crisis has not nor will not miraculously disappear. It requires a comprehensive and sustained effort to stem and subsequently turn the tide away from this crisis. To date, there have been numerous efforts to address the overdose issue in our community. While the overdose numbers remain high, it would NOT be accurate to believe that the efforts employed have been ineffective. Many lives have been saved and despair has turned into hope.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other first responders have, from the outset of the crisis, answered countless calls to revive overdose victims and subsequently have saved numerous lives. These calls are distressing and many times instead of a heartfelt thank you, the EMTs are rebuked for “ruining a high.” Regardless, EMTs across the county continue to respond to overdose calls and save lives. Law enforcement personnel do what they have always done, employ efforts and strategies to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs into our community. Some of these drugs are the most dangerous and deadly substances we have seen locally. In response to the crisis, law enforcement personnel also now carry and administer life-saving naloxone. Law enforcement continues to work to keep our community as safe as possible.

Medical personnel, law enforcement and substance use professionals conduct community awareness forums to alert the public to the overdose crisis. As a result, there has been a sharp increase in the public’s knowledge regarding the problem. There is much more of an understanding of overdose issues in our community as well as the resources available to address opioid use disorders. There is also now a much keener appreciation by the public for the use of medications to address the problem.

As a result of the large number of overdose deaths in the past several years, harm reduction approaches have gained more attention both nationally and across the region. There is a broad array of harm reduction techniques, several of which have been employed in Berks County such as medication assisted treatment, enhanced naloxone availability and criminal justice diversion programs to name a few.

Addiction-related stigma continues to be a major barrier to individuals and families seeking much – needed help. Sometimes, stigma can affect the type of help someone receives. While this is an area that requires persistent attention, major progress has been made in the area in the past several years. More individuals now see substance use disorders for what it is - a brain disease. Also, there is more acceptance of specific medications as a means for some individuals to overcome certain addictions. The more stigma is reduced in our community, the more addiction recovery can take hold and flourish. Over the past several years, the federal and the state government have provided specific funds to address overdoses and opioid use issues. These funds have been crucial in helping remove barriers from those in need of treatment and have enhanced access to medication assisted treatments. Additionally, these funds allowed for expansive local distribution of the lifesaving opioid overdose antidote – naloxone. Fortunately for our community, additional funds will be available through the National Opioid Settlement. (These settlement funds and their impact for Berks County is explained further on in this issue.) The Opioid Settlement funds now offer us an opportunity to further develop and grow other innovative programs and activities that heretofore we would not be able to consider due to funding limitations.

These are but just some of the many local efforts to address the overdose crisis. This list will expand as other proven approaches and methods are identified and new strategies integrated into our local response. As we refine our responses to the opioid crisis, we must even more closely examine the root causes of the epidemic. This includes more effectively addressing issues related to trauma as well as assuring that matters associated to diversity, equity and inclusion are adequately addressed. Now, more than ever, it is time to redouble our efforts to overcome the tragic trends in overdoses.

I am retiring in December and as such I will be stepping down as co-chair of the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition. SOS Berks has been both a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Constant reminders of the death and devastation of the overdose crisis is overwhelming. Yet, the feelings of hope and optimism are energizing especially when working together with committed individuals seeking to improve our community. Not even a pandemic, which shut the world down for months, could stop this group from seeking ways to make a difference.

A big thank you to all the special and inspiring individuals – too numerous to mention – that I met and worked with on this journey. A most special thank you to my co-chair, Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt. Kevin is the heart and soul of SOS Berks. His “never say never” attitude is contagious and keeps us going through these challenging times. I know SOS Berks will continue the fight and leave no stone unturned in seeking to significantly reduce overdose deaths and ease the suffering that comes with addiction.