WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Rev. Forrest Gilmore said the Shalom Community Center’s organization is seeing a reduction in overdose deaths among clients, this year.
Gilmore attributes the decline in opioid related deaths to expanded opioid addiction treatment options, and increased homelessness services. In particular, Gilmore pointed to the work of the Indiana Recovery Alliance and the Monroe County Health Department.
Of the 15 largest Indiana counties, 13 reported increases in fatal opioid overdoses in 2017, according to data from the IRA. On average, fatal overdoses increased by 41 percent.
Monroe County was one of just two counties reporting fewer fatal overdoses in 2017. Both Monroe County and Clark County have Syringe Service Programs, distributing the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone. According to the IRA, Monroe County’s fatal opioid overdose deaths decreased by 10 percent in 2017. Clark County’s decreased by 8 percent, during the same period.
Gilmore said, although the past year signals progress, the larger substance abuse crisis and homelessness crisis, are still ongoing. Additionally, Gilmore reported a federal grant Shalom receives to re-house homeless families has been reduced by $90,000.
Gilmore said the homelessness shelter is also always in need of additional volunteers during the Summer.
