Historically, Harford County Department of Community Services-Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) receives substance abuse prevention funding from the State of Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration (ADAA) and a variety of other sources (e.g. Harford County Government, Highway Safety, etc.). The Harford County Health Department provides treatment for addiction services and receives funding from ADAA and Harford County Government. Since 2000, ODCP has promoted and provided prevention services through strategies utilizing the resources of public and private agencies, and citizens. ODCP was the recipient of a DFC (Drug Free Communities) Grant for ten years and has received federal training in programs that reduce substance abuse in the county. Since 2001, ODCP has been responsible for obtaining over 15 million dollars in grant funds to address substance abuse issues in the county. For the past ten years, ODCP has implemented programs for over 16,000 residents annually in an effort to reduce substance abuse in the county. Intervention/Treatment The Harford County Health Department Division of Addiction Services (HCHD-DAS) provides a comprehensive array of clinical co-occurring treatment services for people with addiction. Services include: comprehensive assessments, individual/group and family counseling, referrals for detoxification and inpatient treatment, specialty programming (jail-based services, drug court) and medication management (e.g. Methadone, Suboxone, and psychotropic). The highly successful HOPE Project, initially funded by a Maryland Community Health Resources Commission grant, targets dually diagnosed inmates and links them to substance abuse, mental health, medical, and case management services with the goal of reducing recidivism. Funding for the HOPE Project expired in the Fall, 2013, but the Health Department has continued this important program. The Adolescent Addiction Program provides substance abuse education and treatment to adolescents and their families. Substance abuse assessments are conducted at the HCHD-DAS as well as in schools, by request through the Maryland Student Assistance Program. The Drug Court Addiction Program provides substance abuse education and treatment services to nonviolent substance abuse offenders. In FY 13, 854 clients received treatment in the Harford County Addiction Program. By providing education, comprehensive treatment options, and maintaining a visible presence in the community, ODCP and the Health Department work daily as the voice of a drug-free Harford County. Below is a summary of successful addiction prevention and intervention activities:
Review and Analysis of Data Community Objective Strategy Action Timeline Performance Measure Measurable Indicators Monitor Data and Recommend Changes to Policies and Practice. Monitor the effectiveness of prevention and intervention activities in the HD, Office on Mental Health, and Community Services, among providers and within the community. Utilize data points as benchmarks to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and intervention activities. 2013 and ongoing Increase participation in the countywide behavioral health intergration strategic planning process to create a cultural shift in the county. The Opioid Prevention Workgroup will meet quarterly to monitor strategic activities and data points which are available. Annually, the workgroup will review the overall data and complete yearly comparisons to determine the effectiveness of the identified strategies. 7/2014 UPDATE HCHD has provided two (2) large outreach efforts by the Division of Care Coordination to help residents understand and get enrolled in health coverage. HCHD-DAS has made changes to its services by adding programs and increasing enrollment in others: Recovery Services. Three (3) full time Peer Specialists have been hired which work very closely with the clients. These efforts have resulted in clients staying engaged in treatment longer. In September 2013, the DAS opened its adult IOP Program to assist with moving clients between levels of care, thus decreasing the need for residential
treatment. The census in the suboxone program has increased. The HCHD-DAS psychiatrist only works 25 hours per week, but her duties have shifted to focus on suboxone clients. We also have two (2) full time counselors now work solely with suboxone clients. Education of the Community Community Objective Strategy Action Timeline Performance Measure Measurable Indicators Prevention Community Organization and Activation Identify and engage with persons in recovery to assist in community coalition building. HCHD will explore using Assisters (outreach workers) to provide information to people and encourage those who are eligible to apply for Medicaid benefit. Develop and strengthen Community Coalitions (Faith-based prevention board, town 2013 and ongoing 2013/2014 2013 and ongoing Increase participation in the county with grassroots to create community buy-in within the county. Increase the number of attendees participating in planning for the integration of behavioral health services. A baseline of participants will be established in 2013.
Education of the Clinical Community Community Objective Strategy Action Timeline Performance Measure Measurable Indicators Prevention Supply Reduction and Diversion Control Modify the drug take-back message to include a broader public health/education message (modeled after Lazarus message). Continue to partner with strategic partners to implement (creating a schedule for the year). Work with University of MD Upper Chesapeake Health System to explore developing a policy about opioid prescribing limitations for Hospital emergency department. Work in partnership with local law enforcement to identify and establish a permanent drop-site for prescription drug returns (exploring how Carroll County has implemented this strategy). 2013 and ongoing 2013 and ongoing 2013 and ongoing January 2014 Babies Born Addicted Reduce the rate of newborns exposed to drugs by 5%. In 2012, the newborn drug exposure rate was 24.5 per 1,000 newborns.
identified as dually diagnosed. Outreach to High Risk Individuals and Communities Community Objective Strategy Actions Timeline Performance Measure Measurable Indicators Intervention/ Treatment Emergency Treatment through Medication ~ Rescue and "Alternative" Work with hospitals to identify patients who frequently use the emergency department and develop a mechanism for rapid treatment referrals. Work with EMS providers to continue monitoring the usage of Nar-Con as a rescue medication. Explore with Dr. Chris Welsh 2013 and ongoing 2013 and ongoing 2014 Deaths due to Overdoses Decrease overdose deaths by 10%. In 2010, there were 38 deaths. By 2015, deaths will be decreased to 34.