'When given in time'
Library provides overdose reversal medication through vending machine; also, law enforcement stepping up traffic patrols for holiday season
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“When given in time” is a phrase that is repeated a lot in Centers for Disease Control literature on the opioid epidemic. Opioid overdose caused more than 100,000 deaths nationwide last year, and in 40 percent of those deaths, someone else was present with the victim.
Quick access to Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids, could be key to keeping someone alive who has overdosed. On Dec. 15 Kokomo Howard County Public Library (KHCPL) administration, representatives of the Kokomo Chamber of Commerce, Turning Point: A System of Care, Indiana non-profit Overdose Lifeline, and other support individuals met for a ribbon cutting ceremony dedicating the installation of a Naloxone vending machine in the vestibule of downtown library.
KHCPL Director Faith Brautigam spoke to those assembled for the ribbon cutting.
“In our society, addiction is sadly associated with shame or personal weakness, and unfortunately that’s also true for someone who wants to see assistance, or mental health treatment,” said Brautigam. “We at the library have a different experience. Libraries, on the other hand, tend to be associated with civic pride and are spaces where everyone is welcome.
“Allowing someone to just step in and take away life-saving supplies, medication is not the only thing we are giving them…by giving that we are allowing people to have respect.”
The vending machine in the Kokomo library is one of 19 machines being placed all over the state by Overdose Lifeline in partnership with Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions. Howard County Commissioner Paul Wyman, who is a board member of Turning Point Systems of Care, championed the acquisition of the Naloxone vending machine.
“The dignity of every human life is no different than your own life,” said Wyman. “As a community, we say the value of every human life in Howard County is important to us. Today we are saving lives.”
Overdose Lifeline is the non-profit organization providing the Naloxone vending machine. Its founder and executive director, Justin Phillips, explained how access to the drug can impact the community,
“I lost my son, Aaron, in 2013 to a heroin overdose, and we didn’t talk about Naloxone, heroin, opioid use, or any of these things,” said Phillips. “I very quickly learned all these things that I didn’t know, including that there was this drug that existed that could have saved his life.
“This (vending machine) has given people second chances. Nobody finds recovery if they are not alive, and as it has been said, everybody deserves a second chance.”
Phillips was one of the driving forces behind Indiana legislation known as “Aaron’s Law,” which allows access to Naloxone without a prescription. The law passed in 2015, and Phillips was grateful that the library and community chose to provide the drug as part of the effort to reduce overdose deaths and fight the opioid epidemic.
“We have come such a long way since passing the law,” said Phillips. “This is the first vending machine in a public library. This could not be possible without Howard County’s coordinated response to the drug epidemic, specifically Paul Wyman and Turning Point and now with the partnership with the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library.”
Police stepping up patrols during the holidays
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office announced that it will be stepping up patrols as part of the Safe Family Travel holiday enforcement campaign. Starting this week, officers will be out in greater numbers, showing zero tolerance for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The department joins more than 200 participating law enforcement agencies in the campaign, which runs through Jan. 1. While officers will be targeting impaired drivers, they also will be on high alert for seat belt violations and other forms of unsafe driving. Their goal is to help ensure people make it to and from their celebrations safely.
The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded with grants provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
"If you’re out celebrating over the holidays, make sure you have a sober ride home," said Sgt. Justin Markley. “Driving impaired is costly and could be deadly. Not only could you kill yourself or someone else in a crash, but you could also face thousands of dollars in legal fees, jail time, or a revoked license. It’s not worth the risk.”
According to early estimates from ICJI, 903 people have died in motor vehicle crashes so far this year in Indiana. Although still preliminary, this makes 2022 one of only three years in the past decade to break 900 fatalities. Moreover, if the pace continues, Indiana could experience one of the deadliest years since the early 2000s.
Data from the institute suggests that impaired driving accounts for a significant portion of those fatalities. On average, approximately one-fourth of the state’s fatal collisions are caused by drunk drivers every year. While this is cause for concern, tragically, driving under the influence tends to be more prevalent during the holiday season.
“There are four main causes behind the rising number of fatal crashes, all of which are completely preventable, and those are impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing a seat belt,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “Unfortunately, driving under the influence is the one we’re most concerned about this time of year.”
With officers on high-alert, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead to get home safely by designating a sober driver or by using public transportation or a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Even if one drink is consumed, never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. It’s also important to wear a seat belt, put away the distractions, and follow posted speed limits.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in Indiana and all 50 states. Those who choose to drive impaired are not only risking their life and the lives of others, but also could face an arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drunk driving arrest costs up to $10,000.
Motorists are encouraged to contact the department or call 911 if they encounter an impaired driver on the road.