Why is this happening in Calhoun County? From 2010 to 2015, the amount and strength of opioids prescribed increased significantly while the national average decreased. In 2015, the amount and strength of opioids prescribed was nearly double the national average and six times higher than the 1999 national average. In 2016, 120 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons were dispensed, nearly twice the national average.

Although opioid overdose makes up a very small percentage of all Calhoun County emergency department visits, opioid overdose visits nearly doubled from 147 to 289 visits between 2015-2017. The 2016 total opioid-related death rate of approximately 30 deaths per 100,000 Calhoun County residents was 1.72 times higher than the Michigan 2016 death rate of 17.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. More than 40 opioid-related deaths have occurred each year in Calhoun County between 2015-2017. More people die of drug-related overdose in Calhoun County than of motor vehicle accidents.

Fentanyl-related deaths increased from 6 in 2015 to 31 (Calhoun County residents) in 2017. Illegally produced fentanyl poses a serious public health threat to Calhoun County.

How can we address the opioid epidemic? A multi-sector, collaborative approach across communities is required. The diagram outlines key strategic priorities necessary to coordinate and integrate action: prevention and education, supply and control of opioids, treatment access across a continuum of care and the reduction of fatal overdoses and the spread of infectious disease through harm reduction efforts. The Calhoun County Opioid Coalition aims to address the opioid epidemic through the coordination and integration of these four strategic priorities.

The goal of the Opioid coalition is to

reduce opioid related deaths by 50% in Calhoun County.

Opioid Coalition Workgroups The Opioid Coalition has four workgroups that focus on specific areas: Prevention and Education, Treatment, Supply and Control and Harm Reduction.

What the data says:

The death rate due to drug poisoning has significantly increased over the past 9 years and is higher than the Michigan state rate.
6.5% of high school students surveyed reported taking prescription medications not prescribed to them.
5.6% of high school students surveyed reported taking pain killers without a doctor's prescription.

See all related indicators

Compared to the prior value, Calhoun (4.5%) is less and better than the previously measured value (6.5%). Compared to the prior value, Calhoun (4.5%) is less and better than the previously measured value (6.5%).

High School Students who Took a Prescription Drug Not Prescribed to Them, Including Painkillers

Compared to the prior value, Calhoun (3.1%) is less and better than the previously measured value (5.6%). Compared to the prior value, Calhoun (3.1%) is less and better than the previously measured value (5.6%).

High School Students who Took Painkillers without a Doctor's Prescription

County: Calhoun

(Compared to Prior Value)

Resources

Updated data can be found at the Substance Abuse Council here: https://www.drugfreebc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Opiate-Heroin.pdf

Referral Guide is here: https://www.drugfreebc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Referral-Tree-6-9-22.pdf

		Michigan Overdose Data to Action (MODA) Dashboard The MDHHS MODA team is funded by the CDC Overdose Data to Action grant to bring surveillance and prevention efforts together to decrease rates of drug misuse, substance use disorder, fatal and nonfatal overdoses, and drug use-related health risks.
		System for Opioid Overdose Surveillance SOS is a near real-time opioid overdose surveillance system created through a partnership between the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center and Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). SOS provides near real-time mapping of non-fatal and fatal overdose cases as well as aggregate data briefs to facilitate timely public health and public safety responses.
		Overdose Reduction Strategy The Overdose Reduction Strategy logic model provides supports and strategies to address and reduce drug overdoses.
		SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit This toolkit offers strategies to health care providers, communities, and local governments for developing practices and policies to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths. Access reports for community members, prescribers, patients and families, and those recovering from opioid overdose.


		Surveillance Report of Opioid-Related Risks and Outcomes Drug overdose is a serious public health problem that now constitutes the leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States.

		Opioid Epidemic Brief An opioid is a drug that eases pain and may also cause feelings of extreme pleasure. Opioids act on the brain and nerves. They can include both prescription medications and illegal drugs like heroin. Opioids can be addictive with regular use or misuse

		Drug and Opioid Epidemic Report 2018 Report by William Nettleton, MD, MPH and Mary Franks, MPH, from the Calhoun County Health Department. Drug overdose is a serious public health problem that now constitutes the leading cause of injury death in the United States. In fact, overall life expectancy in the United States decreased for a second consecutive year in 2016, largely due to younger people dying of drug overdose. Opioid abuse and misuse continues to drive the drug overdose epidemic. Calhoun County, like other communities in the United States, is also affected by the epidemic. This document provides a snapshot of the opioid epidemic in Calhoun County and briefly outlines a framework to address it from a public health perspective.

		Workplace Guidelines to Prevent Opioid and Substance Abuse for the Construction Trades The construction industry has been particularly affected by the opioid crisis. This toolkit provides guidelines on how to support the construction industry and its workers fight the opioid crisis.

		Starting a Prevention Program for Opioid Abuse in Construction This toolkit helps construction organizations get started creating prevention programs for opioid abuse. It includes information on educating for prevention, policy and compliance, mental and physical health care, and recovery programs.