I would guess nearly all of us have had a family member or friend who have faced a substance or behavioral health challenge. Helping them face the challenge and hopefully get well is difficult. But the consequences of not addressing it can be devastating. That’s why I turned to one of our local experts for guidance and advice.
I first met Chantell Harmon Reed when she applied to be the Director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department last March. Her passion, compassion, experience and perspective impressed me. There was no question in my mind that she was the right person to lead the Health Department and our community to a healthier future. Since she assumed the role of the Director of Public Health last March, my initial perceptions have been validated!
So, I asked her to write this week’s blog and address helping those in our community who are trapped in addiction or mental illness begin the road to recovery.
I’m grateful for the hope and encouragement she offers here.
Thanks for reading,
Bruce
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Substance use disorder touches all of us.
Last month, we recognized Overdose Awareness Day and all those who’ve suffered the devastating loss that comes with a drug poisoning. I had the honor of accepting a proclamation from Pierce County Council. I took that opportunity to share the story of my own family member, Brittney, and how her fatal overdose in 2016 continues to touch my life every day.
This month, we focus on recovery.
September is National Recovery Month, a time for us to bring awareness to mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and everyone in the recovery community. This year’s theme is “Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
That last part has me thinking about all of us in Pierce County and the crisis we face. Overdose is our most common cause of adult preventable death. It outnumbers deaths from motor-vehicle collisions and firearms. Together, we can prevent overdoses.
It will take all of us to help our community find its road to recovery.
Get the help you need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use disorder, get help! And if you have children and use any drug, keep it away from them.
A crisis this severe demands a solution that is proven to work. For many, that means medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). These medications help people reduce withdraw symptoms so they can focus on their wellbeing and stabilize their lives. This is often a helpful step to recovery.
But everyone experiences substance use disorder differently and everyone finds recovery in different ways. The most important thing is to reach out to get the help you or your loved ones need. Pierce County’s Behavioral Health locator is a great place to start.
Fight stigma.
How we talk about substances and the people who use them also shapes how people react. If we speak negatively, it could discourage folks from seeking recovery. We encourage everyone to seek help early and often.
If you care about someone and are worried about their substance use, think about the words you use. When you decrease stigma, you help your friends and loved ones:
- Become more willing to seek treatment.
- Avoid feelings of pity, fear and anger, and a desire for social distance.
- Get the best possible treatment from healthcare providers.
Share resources.
Did you know you can find naloxone in locations across Pierce County? Do you know where to find recovery and grief support resources?
We offer many treatment services at the Health Department, like:
- Medications for opioid use disorder.
- Substance use disorder treatment that includes mental health help.
- Group and individual counseling.
- Ongoing care and follow-up.
- Education.
- Resources and referrals.
Contact us at rfierroz@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1406.
We also partner with Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, Elevate Health, and others to help lead our county’s response to the opioid epidemic. Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Task Force is focused on prevention, education, access to treatment, offering the right services at the right time and reducing transportation barriers.
Want to learn more or volunteer? Email Len Adams at ladams@tpchd.org.
A community of recovery.
Working together to address the needs of our community in the appropriate way is the only path for our community to recovery.
At the Health Department, we promote and support those in the recovery community through several prevention and intervention initiatives. Pierce County behavioral health tax funds much of our work.
Recovery is a lifelong process that can lead to hope and healing. Anyone can do it. This Recovery Month, join me in celebrating the gains made by those in recovery. Let’s do what we can to help!
Chantell Harmon Reed is the Director of Public Health at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department