It’s not uncommon for families in Dallas County and the surrounding area to experience a loved one overdosing on drugs or alcohol to the point of needing immediate medical attention.
In some cases, the overdose is unintentional. In others, it’s a suicide attempt.
During 2022 some 418 persons in Iowa died from drugs, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Preventing overdosing is something everyone in the community can do. Even if you think nobody you know personally uses drugs or drinks excessively, you can commit — as a member of our community — to reducing the heartbreak caused by substance overdose.
Here’s how.
Our state legislators have started a new session. Elected officials are sometimes very responsive to voters’ contacting them with concerns. More than form letters, signed petitions or forwarded emails, a single phone call or personally written letter or email grabs the attention of senators and representatives.
Let the lawmakers in Iowa’s Republican-controlled statehouse know you are bothered by the easy availability of illegal drugs and by the lack of affordable, local mental health treatment.
Beyond depending on action from Iowa lawmakers, citizen groups can form a Drug-Free Communities Support Program and apply for funding. The application timeframe is short, however, so you will need to act quickly.
Folks who overuse alcohol or misuse prescription medications need emotional support to quit. Listen and encourage them to get professional help to stop.
Contact the Health Navigation program (phn@dallascountyiowa.gov) for assistance in locating mental health and substance use treatment. Health Navigation is free and confidential for anyone living in Dallas County.
One last thing: offer the 9-8-8 helpline to anyone struggling with substance use.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
