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Local substance-use groups report methamphetamine rise and continued Narcan distribution efforts
Summary
Area Substance Abuse Council representatives told the board methamphetamine has become the leading driver of stimulant-involved overdoses again; ASAC is distributing Narcan through state grants and conducting workplace and school outreach.
Christina Mesinger of the Area Substance Abuse Council told the Clinton County Board of Health that methamphetamine has recently overtaken opioids as the leading cause in stimulant-involved fatal overdoses in Iowa and locally. "Methamphetamines have taken over opioid overdose numbers," Mesinger said.
Mesinger described efforts under the State Opioid Response Grant to distribute Narcan and educate residents about the risk of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, and she outlined employer-policy work on vaping and nicotine signage. She reported 18 referrals to Quitline Iowa since January and said local groups are building the Breath Easy Workgroup and planning outreach with Senator Chuck Grassley's office on fentanyl education.
Board members noted earlier discussion from Dr. Malcom and MercyOne about stimulant-involved overdose trends and directed staff to continue coordination with community partners.
