Massachusetts Anti-Overdose Drug Program Sees Results

"Officials in Massachusetts say a program that allows nonprofessionals to administer the anti-overdose drug Narcan has helped arrest the growing number of drug overdose deaths in the state, WBUR reported April 22.

"On average, two people die daily in Massachusetts as a result of an overdose of opioids like heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl, experts say. But the number of drug overdose deaths remained flat between 2006 and 2007 -- defying a trend which has seen yearly double-digit increases in heroin deaths over the past 15 years." Read the Full Article from JoinTogether.org

FMI About Harm Reduction, OD and Narcan, visit: www.harmreduction.org and check out their S.K.O.O.P program and materials

www.substanceabuse.portlandmaine.gov/phopp.asp

Recent Articles Highlighting Medical Amnesty

University of Minnesota (eSchool News)

University of Oregon (Daily Emerald)

George Washington University (Washington Post)

Emerson College (Boston.com)

BU Students React to Emerson College Policy (BU Today)

Find out More about University/College Medical Amnesty Policies by searching topics online: medical amnesty, college alcohol policy, good Samaritan policies

Medical Amnesty & Good Samaritan Policies: The Cases for and Against

From the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention:

“Medical amnesty” or “good Samaritan” policies are health protection strategies used on some campuses to encourage students to seek medical attention for a fellow student suffering an alcohol or other drug (AOD) overdose. Under these policies, students are not sanctioned by the university for AOD violations.

Many campuses use the terms “medical amnesty” and “good Samaritan” interchangeably. Generally speaking, the policies provide protection from campus sanctions for violating AOD policies to one or more of the following: (1) the individual in distress, (2) a bystander who seeks medical assistance for an intoxicated student, (3) a campus organization or group that calls for help for a member or guest.

These policies and their application differ from campus to campus, based on each institution’s individualized needs. Additionally, medical amnesty and good Samaritan policies concern only campus-based policies and sanctions. Students may still be subject to legal consequences for violating AOD laws.

Addiction Behind Bars (NY Times Editorial)

(Hat Tip: The Second Road)

April 12, 2009
"The United States must do more to curb the spread of diseases like AIDS and hepatitis C in prison, where infection rates are high and inmates can easily spread disease through unprotected sex or by sharing needles. Drug treatment in prison is clearly part of the solution. But by some estimates, fewer than one in five inmates who need formal treatment are actually getting it. That’s alarming, given that about half the prison population suffers from drug abuse or dependency problems."
Read On...

Places to Play in Portland

From WCSH6

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- The City of Portland has released a places to play map. It lists hundreds of free or low cost activities for kids and adults to enjoy during the four seasons. The map identifies basketball and tennis courts, swimming pools, dog parks and beaches that are open to the public.

The new map also has information about city parks as well as a complete list of playgrounds. There are also some suggestions for activities the whole family can enjoy year round.

Maps are available for free at the city's community centers, City Hall, and Portland public libraries.

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO!

"Working Alcoholics Cause Headaches for Companies --Alcohol Awareness Month Brings the Sobering Reality of Workplace Alcoholism"

(Hat Tip: Raise The Bottom Blog / CNBC.com)

"April is Alcohol Awareness Month and one way companies are getting involved is with public awareness campaigns about workplace alcoholism. The cost of alcoholism and other drug addictions in the U.S. workforce exceeds $100 billion a year, according to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI). Part of Alcohol Awareness Month is educating companies in identifying the signs of an alcoholic and help problem drinkers.

"Most people wrongly assume that if an alcoholic employee does not drink at work there is no harm to the company since the abuse takes place on his/her own time.

"'But damage does occur because alcoholics have reduced mental function, distorted perception, poor judgment and performance, even during work hours when they are not drinking,' explains Arthur Jackson, author of Raise the Bottom: How to Keep Secret Alcoholics from Damaging Your Business." Read On...

CUMBERLAND COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS: If you would like to learn more about drug-free workplace policy development and/or how to support employees with substance abuse issues, contact Amanda Edgar at (207) 756-8053 to discuss how your local Healthy Maine Partnership can help!