Impact of the Opioid Prevention Program in North Central Health District.
Abstract
Background: Historical and current data trends show there is a growing opioid use and overdose problem in the North Central Health District (NCHD). As the illicit drug supply becomes increasingly contaminated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, fatal and non-fatal overdoses continue to rise. The NCHD Opioid Program addresses the opioid crisis by developing and implementing district-wide prevention and response strategies. An impact map was created to show the reach of this program across the thirteen-county health district.
Methods: Secondary data on overdose mortality and morbidity was collected through Georgia Department of Public Health’s Data Warehouse. Primary data was collected through program activities such as the number of naloxone kits distributed, overdose trainings provided, and community partners comprising the Middle Georgia Opioid Coalition. Using both the primary and secondary data points, an impact map was created using Tableau®.
Results: A district map showing the counties within the district containing embedded morbidity and mortality data and program implementation data, provides a visual aid showing that rural areas within the district are in highest need of overdose-related services. The maps and other graphs created also show that most resources are centered in more urban areas.
Conclusions: The information gained from this local impact dashboard supports national data that show the rate of health-related issues due to overdose is increasing higher in rural areas than urban areas. Limited funding and manpower combined with strong stigma in rural areas may partially explain some of the existing gaps in these communities. There is a great opportunity to build bridges within these communities to close these existing gaps and implement bold, effective prevention strategies.
Keywords
Informatics, Naloxone, Overdose, Opioid
Impact of the Opioid Prevention Program in North Central Health District.
Background: Historical and current data trends show there is a growing opioid use and overdose problem in the North Central Health District (NCHD). As the illicit drug supply becomes increasingly contaminated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, fatal and non-fatal overdoses continue to rise. The NCHD Opioid Program addresses the opioid crisis by developing and implementing district-wide prevention and response strategies. An impact map was created to show the reach of this program across the thirteen-county health district.
Methods: Secondary data on overdose mortality and morbidity was collected through Georgia Department of Public Health’s Data Warehouse. Primary data was collected through program activities such as the number of naloxone kits distributed, overdose trainings provided, and community partners comprising the Middle Georgia Opioid Coalition. Using both the primary and secondary data points, an impact map was created using Tableau®.
Results: A district map showing the counties within the district containing embedded morbidity and mortality data and program implementation data, provides a visual aid showing that rural areas within the district are in highest need of overdose-related services. The maps and other graphs created also show that most resources are centered in more urban areas.
Conclusions: The information gained from this local impact dashboard supports national data that show the rate of health-related issues due to overdose is increasing higher in rural areas than urban areas. Limited funding and manpower combined with strong stigma in rural areas may partially explain some of the existing gaps in these communities. There is a great opportunity to build bridges within these communities to close these existing gaps and implement bold, effective prevention strategies.
