ENG201_Week9Assignment

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1 Week 9 Assignment Bethany Whittington ENG 201 Dr.K February 27, 2024

2 Introduction In Huntington, West Virginia, a city grappling with the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, the alarming rise in overdose deaths has cast a shadow of a community. As the numbers continue to climb, the fabric of this once vibrant city is being frightened by the tragic consequences of addition. Each statistic represents a life lost, a family shattered, and a community in mourning. Despite efforts to combat this epidemic, the relentless grip of substance abuse continues to tighten, leaving a trail of heartbreak and despair in its wake. Join us as we dive into the harrowing reality of Huntington's overdose crisis, seeking to understand the root causes and explore potential solutions for hope and healing to those in need. The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce should use community wide response , because it allows coordinated systems approach, increased awareness of the problem, and collaboration from others in the community to show support. Problem The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on Huntington, West Virgina, leading to a surge in overdose deaths. Last year, West Virginia had the highest opioid overdose death rate per capita in the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The crisis was fueled by the widespread use of OxyContin, a prescription drug heavily marketed in towns across the state. This epidemic has traumatized the city and exhausted its emergency responders, who work tirelessly to save lives amidst the chaos. The opioid crisis has inflicted a severe toll on this city, leading to a record high in overdose deaths. According to the West Virgina Department of Health and Human Resources, here are some key findings: Over the past few years, the drivers of overdose deaths have shifted. Prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone are no longer the primary culprits. Instead, fentanyl and its analogues have taken center stage, being involved in 76% of all drug overdose deaths in West Virginia in 2021 (up from 58% in 2017). The proportion of overdose deaths related to heroin has significantly declined over the same period. In 2021, heroin accounted for only 3% of drug overdose deaths, compared to 26.3% in 2017. Methamphetamine-related deaths have surged, constituting 52.2% of drug overdose deaths in 2021, up from 22.8% in 2017. A high percentage of drug overdose deaths in West Virginia involve at least one opioid as a contributing factor. These statistics highlight the critical role of fentanyl, the rise of methamphetamines-related deaths, and the decline in heroin- related fatalities in shaping the overdose crisis in Huntington. The situation remains dire, and urgent interventions are needed to combat this devastating epidemic. https://www.dhhr.wv.gov In conclusion, the overdose death rates in Huntington, West Virgina remain alarmingly high, with fentanyl playing a central role and methamphetamines-related deaths on the rise. Urgent efforts are needed to address this public health crisis and save lives.

3 The effects of this problem varies from the loss of lives to generational impact. Per the Department of Health and Human Resources, the overdose rates in Huntington have far-reaching effects, impacting lives, healthcare, economy, and social cohesion. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach involving prevention, treatment, and community support. In the face of this escalating crisis, urgent action is imperative to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the burden on our community. Solution Addressing the overdose rates in Huntington, West Virginia requires a comprehensive and community-wide response. The city has faced the highest opioid overdose rate in the state, necessitating collaborative efforts across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to implement evidence-based strategies. One such innovative program is the Huntington Quick Response Team (QRT), which began in 2017. The Huntington QRT is a collaborative effort involving the Cabell County EMS, the city of Huntington, the Huntington Police Department, Marshall University, behavioral health agencies, and faith leaders. Its primary goal is to reduce the number of overdoses in the community. The key factors range from team collaboration to postive outcomes. The Huntington QRT serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. By engaging multiple stakeholders and providing timely interventions, it contributes to saving lives and addressing the devastating impact of the opioid crisis.A community-wide response that combines outreach, education, and treatment is crucial to combat the overdose rates in Huntington, West Virginia. There are a variety of resources needed to combat the opioid epidemic in Huntington, WV. To start off the city would need to come together and then everyone would need the proper training. Effective crisis response planning requires coordination, knowledge, and skill development. Community-Driven Crisis Response Workbook :The Community-Driven Crisis Response Workbook provides planning team coordinators with essential tools and guidance. Aligned with the Expanding First Response Toolkit, this workbook covers crucial aspects of launching a community-driven crisis response system. Coordinators can use worksheets, charts, and discussion questions to guide their team’s work and vision. Topics include community engagement, collaboration with stakeholders, needs assessment, and public communication. CERT Basic Training :The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, supported by FEMA , offers basic training for community members. It teaches participants what to do before, during, and after various hazards. CERT training includes research-validated guidance, instructor guides, participant manuals, and hazard annex slide decks. Participants gain knowledge and skills to assist others during emergencies. Training and Education :FEMA provides training and education resources for first responders , emergency managers , and individuals . These resources enhance the whole community’s ability to respond effectively to disasters. Training covers topics such as incident management, disaster response,

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4 and community resilience. Partnering with Local Resources :Local governments should identify and partner with emergency response organizations and leaders. Engaging these stakeholders ensures a collaborative approach to education and planning. Recruiting residents for participation is equally important. Their involvement contributes to community-wide preparedness. A well- trained community response team, informed by evidence-based practices, can play a pivotal role in addressing the overdose crisis in Huntington. By equipping team members with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can save lives and build a resilient community. Risk Those that are struggling with an addiction often get discriminated against and therefore it throws stigmatization at them and they never get the help they need. Research provides compelling evidence against stigmatization of individuals who suffer from addiction. Language Matters : Person-first language is crucial for stigma reduction. Instead of using terms like “substance abuser,” which worsen stigma, referring to someone as “a person with a substance use disorder” emphasizes their humanity and reduces negative attitudes. Direct Interaction :When people interact directly with members of stigmatized groups and hear their stories, it has a powerful destigmatizing effect. Personal narratives and empathy play a significant role in challenging stereotypes and biases. Educating Healthcare Professionals : Healthcare professionals can perpetuate stigma if they use stigmatizing language. Educating them about the impact of their words and promoting compassionate communication is essential. Appropriate Language :Using appropriate language to describe addiction and mental illness contributes to a decrease in stigma. It improves how individuals with these conditions are treated in society and healthcare settings. However, studies have shown that stigmatization doesn't do anything put the addicted individuals health at risk and potentially produces suicidal tendencies in which some act upon because they feel less than. Combating stigma involves promoting understanding, empathy, and respectful language. By addressing stigmatization, we can create a more supportive environment for those struggling with addiction. Benefits The main importance of this solution is that stigma often prevents an individual from seeking help for an addiction. By the community supporting those struggling individuals they together can combat stigma by promoting empathy, understanding, and nonjudgmental attitudes. Peer support from those individuals who are in recovery can serve as powerful advocates and role models, reducing stigma and encouraging others to seek treatment as well. The second most important factor of this solution is by creating an awareness of the problem. August 31st is now recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day in more than 40 countries. It aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma related to drug-related deaths, and honor

5 those lost to substance use disorder (SUD). During the pandemic, it has been challenging for individuals with SUD to rebuild meaningful social connections and have hope for the future. Finally, the last of the benefits for this solution is the collaboration from others in the community to show support. building and strengthening community collations is essential. These collations bring together various stakeholders, including community members, public agencies, nonprofits, and government entities. The purpose is to collectively address substance use disorder and overdose deaths. For an example, community collations can organize educational campaigns, advocate for policy changes, and promote harm reduction strategies. Conclusion By the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce using a community wide response it allows for them to have a coordinated system for an approach, and hence increases the awareness of the dangerous increasing overdose rates, and allows other to collaborate within the community and show their support. The Huntington Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the well-being of the community's population. the increase of overdose deaths is reaching an all-time high and needs to change. These solutions are the key to happier, safer, and healthier families and a community of love.

6 Sources 1. anne case . march 17, 2020. Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism . https://eds.p.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=ad0deef7-2b06-48aa-a45c- b80324711513%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d %3d#AN=2254623&db=nlebk 2. Drug Overdose Mortality (wv.gov) 3. Matt Kwong. October 27, 2017. overdose capital . https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump- opioid-west-virginia-huntington-1.4374596 4. Dan Vergano. March 3, 2018. average day in drug court . https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/danvergano/heroine-opioids-huntington-drug- court

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7 Feedback Reflection 1) Describe the feedback you received from your instructor on the Week 6 Assignment. According to the feedback left on my Week 6 Assignment I need to add more details to the outline on how the evidence supports the main point and the supporting points as well. Secondly, I need to add the sources of my evidence then the details of the risks need revised as well as my hook and background information along with my conclusion. 2) Discuss at least 5 things you learned from the feedback you received over the term and learned in your webtext, using specific examples to illustrate how you have applied the information to your proposal. When it comes to the feedback I received and reading the webtext I have learned how to revise my writing at a more professional level and also the way a reader can take in your writing is very important especially when it comes to if you're trying to persuade them to change something or help someone out. These things will come in very handy in my future of writing and my future career as a Probation Officer.

ENG201_Week9Assignment

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