Big Decisions Awaiting Lexington Regarding Opioid Abatement Settlement Funds
The city of Lexington finds itself at a pivotal juncture regarding the direction of its efforts in tackling the opioid crisis. An issue that has gripped many American cities, the opioid problem has been particularly potent in Lexington, with frontline workers reporting that overdose is, for many, an inevitable fate rather than a chance occurrence.
Engaging the Frontline
Scott Luallen, the Lexington Overdose Prevention Coordinator, revealed in a recent update to the City Council Committee that synthetic opioid fentanyl is readily available, and tragically, for those addicted, an overdose is just a matter of time. His assessment is grim but realistic, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. “It’s not if you’re going to overdose, it’s when. And many overdose daily,” said Luallen.
He pointed to the increased use of the life-saving drug Narcan as a major factor in stemming what could have been a far greater number of overdose deaths in the area. “They have Narcan and that’s the only thing that’s preventing what was last year in Fayette County 177 overdose deaths from being a thousand overdose deaths,” Luallen explained.
The role of Narcan in overdose prevention has been so vital that training in its administration is being conducted at non-traditional locations such as bus stops, bars, and gas stations located along high-risk corridors.
Funding Plans Underway
Meanwhile, a local advisory group is preparing to make recommendations on spending approximately $6 million received from opioid abatement litigation. Carmen Combs-Marks, the Substance Use Disorder Intervention Coordinator, suggested that the funds could bolster both existing and new programs.
She said, “So we are on target in submitting that recovery ready application that serves like a needs assessment, so we can have a better idea…it paints a bigger, clearer picture of where we are, and kind of where we need to move in the future.” The funds could potentially send shockwaves throughout local prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Sober Living Accommodations
One specific area of need that came up during the committee discussion was sober living houses. Operators of these facilities are being asked to attend a meeting to gain a full understanding of their responsibilities in the fight against the opioid crisis. Luallen noted that while some sober living houses are thriving and doing good work, others need to, in his words, “up their game.”
The eventual allocation of the opioid abatement settlement funds could play a significant role in how effectively Lexington manages to grapple with its opioid crisis moving forward. Truly, great decisions lie ahead for the city of Lexington.
