The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announces a new overdose prevention dashboard including data, statistics, and resources such as no-cost naloxone availability, drug take-back sites, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder providers, and treatment/recovery services across Nebraska.
“This tool is a valuable data access point to educate providers and community members on the treatment and resources that are available to someone who may be struggling with substance use,” said Charity Menefee, Director of the Division of Public Health. “Though Nebraska has one of the lowest rates of drug overdose deaths in the nation, our team is committed to providing life-saving resources to all Nebraskans and strengthening prevention efforts across the state. Every member of our community deserves our support. Raising awareness of these resources could help save a life.”
The purpose of this dashboard is to help providers and community members understand how overdose rates in Nebraska change based on age, over time, and by substance. Data can be viewed by local health departments or state-wide. The dashboard is a one-stop shop for both data and treatment/recovery resources that are available. Resources can be searched based on an individual’s location or zip code.
“It is vital to support our fellow Nebraskans on their journeys to recovery by lowering barriers to recovery support and spreading awareness on the availability of resources in our communities,” said Tony Green, Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “This dashboard gives folks the ability to locate recovery services and substance use treatment providers in local communities which is a great resource for Nebraskans.”
A resource highlighted on this dashboard is naloxone, which is a medicine that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within two to three minutes. More than one dose of naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved. There are many ways to obtain naloxone. It can be ordered online by simply filling out a form and it will be mailed to a residence at no cost. For more information, visit https://stopodne.com/.
Another valuable resource highlighted on this dashboard is drug take-back sites. Leftover prescription drugs, especially those related to pain management, present risks for overdoses, poisoning, or misuse. There are hundreds of pharmacies across the state to safely dispose of medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, vitamins, supplements, and even pet medications.
“Every day is a drug take-back day in Nebraska,” said Menefee. “The small act of disposing of prescription medication in a timely manner can have a big impact by preventing accidental poisonings, protecting the groundwater and soil, and helping to stop misuse.”
To view the dashboard, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3f46876d8cfa4f42981a6ba4922d554d/.