The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority has received grant funding from the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board. The Board, part of the Attorney General’s Office, wants the funds to be used to decrease the impact of the current Opioid Crisis. SWODA hopes to increase resources and services that save lives and decrease or prevent illicit Opioid use.
With the first year’s funding SWODA chose to work toward Naloxone (Narcan) Saturation. “Naloxone saves lives by quickly reversing Opioid overdoses. If given soon after an overdose, Naloxone can restore breathing within a few minutes. Time is so important in these cases, so we want people to have easy access to Naloxone and know how and when to use it,” said Steve Berry, Project Director for SWODA.
“If your house is on fire you don’t go to hide the matches first, you put the fire out first. Our goal with naloxone saturation is to end overdose deaths FIRST! We understand that prevention, treatment, and recovery supports are incredibly important, and those strategies will be part of our future efforts.” SWODA relies on local partners to help get these resources and services in the local communities.
SWODA is proud to announce a significant partnership with Cordell Public Schools. This collaboration will significantly enhance our Naloxone (Narcan) saturation efforts. Cordell Public schools has installed 13 overdose emergency kits throughout their school, this includes ones that are affixed to the wall as well as pouches that can be used for school vehicles, buses, etc.
Funding for the grants is the result of a settlement agreement between the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and prescription Opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Grants will be offered annually for the next 12-15 years. SWODA’s service area includes Roger Mills, Custer, Beckham, Washita, Greer, Kiowa, Harmon, and Jackson Counties.
As part of this Abatement Project, SWODA offers the following products and services at no cost to our partners or communities: Overdose Emergency Kits. Putting Naloxone within reach or areas where an overdose may occur.
• Naloxone Vending Machines. Provide free, low-barrier access in stigma-free settings.
• Naloxone Trainings. Learn the signs and symptoms of overdose and how to use Naloxone.
• Medication Lock Boxes. Locking up medications can help prevent accidental poisonings and diversion of medications.
• At Home Disposal Kits. Disposing of these unused, out of date, and unwanted medications can help prevent accidental poisoning and diversion of medications.
“We want to thank the Cordell Public Schools for partnering with us to help end overdose deaths in southwest Oklahoma. They are truly making a difference.”
If you want to help, make a difference in your community, contact Steve Berry. He can be reached by calling 580-562-5043 or by emailing steve@swoda.org.