Greene County Acts Against Drug Crisis After Overdose Surge

Addressing a Growing Crisis: Naloxone Distribution and Community Support in Greene County

In response to a concerning increase in drug overdoses, the Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition, along with other local anti-drug organizations, recently distributed naloxone outside of Community Pharmacy. This initiative comes after a sharp rise in overdose incidents, highlighting the urgent need for community action and awareness.

Over the past two weeks, Greene County has reported two fatal overdoses and nine non-fatal cases. These numbers have alarmed local leaders and health professionals, prompting immediate steps to address the crisis. According to Lynn Broyles, the executive director of the Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition, the situation has been particularly alarming due to the high number of non-fatal overdoses.

“Normally we would call it a spike when there’s three fatal,” Broyles explained. “But because of the number of non-fatal overdoses, this kind of pushed us forward and take the initiative to do something.”

Recognizing the Signs of an Overdose

Frankie Nunley, a Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, emphasized the importance of recognizing the symptoms of an overdose. She outlined several key indicators that someone may be experiencing an opioid overdose:

• Slowed or stopped heart rate
• Difficulty breathing or a weak pulse
• A blue tint around the lips or nail beds, known as cyanosis
• Eyes rolled back
• Cold, unresponsive body

Nunley also demonstrated how to administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The medication is typically delivered through the nasal airway, making it easy to use in emergency situations.

If naloxone is not available, she advised individuals to try to rouse the person by performing a sternum rub—using the front knuckles to rub against the sternum quickly and firmly. This method can sometimes stimulate a response and buy time until professional help arrives.

Naloxone as a Lifesaving Tool

Broyles stressed the critical role of naloxone in saving lives. She compared its importance to that of CPR during a cardiac emergency, stating that both are essential community services.

“We think it’s extremely important,” she said. “We think of it as a community service. The same as someone who would administer CPR if someone was having a heart attack. We don’t see any difference in those two situations, and we know that, in these cases of non-fatal overdoses, this medication did save lives.”

Supporting Recovery Through Community Efforts

Beyond naloxone distribution, various anti-drug organizations have joined forces to raise awareness about resources available to those struggling with addiction. One such organization is Families Against Death, founded by Sherry Gaskins after she lost her son to an overdose.

Gaskins shared her personal journey, describing the emotional struggle she faced following her son's death. “So God let me wallow for about two weeks,” she said. “Then he started poking at me, He said ‘you got to stop moms from feeling this.’ I didn’t know what to do, but He led me to different officials in town, the different people I needed to talk to, the senators, the congressmen.”

She now volunteers with the C.A.R.E. Center, working to connect individuals with recovery resources. “We love,” she said. “We just love. We try to find resources like Frankie. We use Joe Jones. We use the anti-drug coalition. We try anything we can so they’ll get into recovery.”

Encouraging Hope and Recovery

Joe Jones, a member of the Recovery Coalition, shared his own experience with sobriety, having been clean for eight years. He highlighted the importance of removing barriers to recovery, such as financial and geographic challenges.

“They need money for induction fees or they need transportation to a program or they need a bus ticket, whatever they need,” he said. “We don’t want anybody to miss the opportunity to get the recovery help they may need due to financial obstacles or geographic issues, stuff like that.”

Gaskins offered words of encouragement to anyone considering recovery. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of about being a drug addict,” she said. “What’s bad is if you don’t try to stop it. God loves you more than you ever imagined, and He has a purpose for you.”

Resources for Those in Need

For individuals or families affected by addiction, the Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition encourages reaching out for support. They provide access to vital resources and guidance on the path to recovery. By fostering community awareness and offering practical tools like naloxone, local organizations are working together to combat the growing crisis and save lives.