Butler County Opioid Overdose Coalition keeps critical conversation on addiction going
The Butler County Opioid Overdose Coalition was formed in 2016 with a purpose to address the opioid epidemic in Butler County, but seven years later, the group is keeping the conversation about addiction and recovery from addiction going.
The group would work to create connections among community residents and stakeholders in a time when synthetic opioid overdose deaths were on the rise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase in opioid overdose deaths could be seen in three waves. The first in the 1990s with an increased number of opioids prescribed.
The CDC said the second wave began in 2010, featuring significant increases in overdose deaths related to heroin.
The third wave, came with notable increases in overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
On Tuesday, the Butler County Opioid Overdose Coalition kicked off its Butler County Summer Conference. The sixth annual event is intended to provide education and training in Butler County.
The first day of the two-day event featured remarks from the Lisa Gill, of the Butler County Human Services Drug and Alcohol Program; a woman who shared her story of recovery; and an expert on the matter. Smaller breakout sessions allowed for further conversation on adverse childhood experiences, navigating medications for opioid use disorder and Xylazine — a drug adulterant complicating overdoses.
Day two included a speaker on current drug trends in Butler County and an overview of the Butler County Opioid Overdose Coalition’s accomplishments.
The event took place on Butler County Community College’s campus.
We’re proud to see our community come together for this level of an event, this type of conversation around addiction. It’s good reminder of the resources that exist in overcoming addiction and a reminder that recovery is possible.
Butler County Human Services Drug and Alcohol Program can be reached at 724-284-5114 during office hours for program needs. A crisis intervention phone number is available 24/7 at 800-292-3866.
— TL
