Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Northpointe cautions board on THC edibles overdoses; commissioner urges naloxone kits for OD patients
Summary
At Citizens' Time, Northpointe representatives warned of addiction and overdoses linked to THC edibles among middle-school students; Commissioner Barbara Kramer relayed a constituent's suggestion to provide naloxone kits to overdose patients rather than only prescriptions, and the controller said opioid funds will be discussed at Finance.
During Citizens’ Time at the July 22 Dickinson County Board meeting, representatives from Northpointe raised concerns about youth use of THC and edible cannabis products and possible overdoses, and commissioners discussed possible uses for opioid-settlement funds.
Deidre Hines Springstroh of Northpointe told the board that findings show addiction linked to THC, cannabis and edibles and that “kids at the middle school level are overdosing on edibles,” adding that people with psychosis and other mental-health issues face very high risk from these substances. The board thanked her for bringing the concern to the meeting.
Later in the meeting, Commissioner Barbara Kramer said a constituent suggested sending every opioid overdose patient home with a naloxone kit instead of a prescription because many patients do not fill prescriptions. Kramer said she looks forward to continuing work on options for the community. Controller Brian Bousley said the county is “working on different ideas for the opioid money” and that the topic will be discussed at the Finance Committee.
Also during Citizens’ Time, Mary Grable, director of nursing at Northpointe, promoted a blood drive on Aug. 2 and encouraged residents to donate, saying there will be a basket giveaway and urging participation: “Come donate and maybe save a life!”
The board did not record any formal vote or directive to implement the naloxone suggestion at this meeting; the transcript shows the county will consider opioid-fund options at a future Finance meeting. No further public-health actions were adopted on the record.
