Taking Action: Fighting Opioid Abuse Through Collaboration in Calhoun County MI Blues Perspectives
In 2016, more accidental drug overdose deaths occurred than motor vehicle accidents in Calhoun County. Nine out of ten of these deaths involved an opioid.
Years before opioid misuse was declared an epidemic, the Substance Abuse Council in Battle Creek recognized several residents struggling with addictions to methamphetamine and prescription drugs. In 2009, they convened a group of police officers and community groups to address the issue.
Over the years, what started as a group providing safe disposal sites evolved into an ongoing partnership between local law enforcement, the health department, doctors and hospitals, courts, local non-profits, schools and treatment facilities. Today, it is known as the Calhoun County Opioid Coalition.
The Calhoun County Opioid Coalition is one of nine community organizations to receive grant funding through the Taking Action on Opioid and Prescription Drug Abuse in Michigan by Supporting Community Responses initiative, courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, The Michigan Health Endowment Fund, The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and The Superior Health Foundation.