HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens reports mission is being accomplished

HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens met earlier this week for its end of year meeting.

Co-Chair Kathy Whitmire spoke about the progress HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens has made during 2021.

Whitmire says their mission is being accomplished.

The mission of HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens is to improve access to behavioral health services and to reduce fatal overdoses and the prescription rate of opiates and controlled substances in Stephens County.

In 2017, the Opioid dispensing rate for Stephens County was 156.2 per 100 residents.

Whitmire says due to HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens effort this number has drastically reduced to 64.6 per 100 Stephens County residents in 2020.

She says they still have a way to go, but this is evidence that the HOPE collaborative has been effective, and lives are being saved.

Whitmire also noted that of the 12 overdoses reported by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Toccoa Police Department, and the Stephens County Hospital in 2021, only one overdose was fatal.

During the meeting, Peer Specialists Johnna Crumley spoke about a new Narcotics Anonymous group they have started in Stephens County.

The NA meetings are held on Fridays at the Toccoa First United Methodist Church, on Tugalo Street, at 6:30 p.m.

Earlier this year, The Center for Wellness and Recovery of Northeast Georgia opened and began offering inpatient detox for residents in our area.

The Center’s Senior Counselor Diamond Dais says there are currently six people receiving treatment at the center; 36 have completed the program; and there are 28 members who are active in weekly recovery meetings and outpatient counseling.

For additional information regarding HOPE for a Drug Free Stephens contact Whitmire by calling 706-491-3493.