SMA Healthcare has taken proactive steps to address the escalating demand for behavioral healthcare services in Putnam County, despite limited resources. As a leader in the community, SMA Healthcare has effectively collaborated with various stakeholders to improve the quality of care for individuals facing addiction and other mental health issues. This page serves as a comprehensive resource for information on the Opioid Response Program and the Putnam County Behavioral Health Consortium, providing valuable insights and resources to aid in the pursuit of enhanced healthcare delivery.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States increased from approximately 52,000 in 2015 to approximately 70,000 in 2017, primarily due to the increase in deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. From 2018 to 2019, there was a slight decrease in overdose deaths, from approximately 70,000 to approximately 69,000.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in overdose deaths in the United States. According to provisional data from the CDC, there were approximately 93,000 drug overdose deaths in 2020, which was a 30% increase from 2019. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl were involved in the majority of these overdose deaths.
As for the trend in Putnam County, Florida, there was an increase in the number of suspected overdoses from 2019 to 2023. The number of fatal overdoses also increased during this time, with the highest number occurring in 2021. The number of doses of naloxone administered also increased during this time, which could be seen as a positive trend as naloxone is an overdose-reversal drug.
When comparing the national trends to the trends in Putnam County, Florida, it can be seen that there is a similar increase in suspected and fatal overdoses. This is also consistent with the national trend of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl being the primary driver of overdose deaths. The increased use of naloxone in Putnam County is also consistent with national efforts to increase access to this life-saving drug.
Overall, these trends highlight the ongoing need for effective strategies to address the opioid epidemic, including increasing access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, and reducing the availability of illicit drugs like fentanyl.
The Putnam County Behavioral Health Consortium has been operational since August 2018 and will meet monthly. The goals of these meetings will be to provide updates from the Consortium members, discuss the progress being made in the areas of prevention, treatment, and workforce development, and to seek approval on final products.
There are substance abuse providers in Putnam County, both public and private, and each provider offers a different level of service. This grant creates an opportunity for the Putnam Behavioral Health Consortium to connect our community to the resources they need.