6101 Module 6 response Discussion post

Your response to your classmate’s discussion should be at least 50 words (each) and add to the discussion (i.e. reflecting on their response, asking questions, etc.).

Respond to Joshua’s post

Muskingum County Problem and Strategy to Address

I have been a proud Muskingum County resident almost my entire life. One of the elements that makes me most proud is the sense of community I have always felt here. Unfortunately, as is the case in much of rural Ohio, we have an issue with substance use. However, the Muskingum County Health Department (MCHD) has joined in with a coordinated effort to reduce this problem in our county. Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) is an initiative providing naloxone along with overdose response education to our community on a macro level (ZMCHD, n.d.). This project directly aims to reduce substance use and help clean up the overburdened criminal justice system. Austin and Claassen (2008) describe a combination and evidence-based approach for individual interventions with broader system change. Project DAWN reflects this concept in Muskingum County.

Effectiveness of Strategy for Muskingum County

Thankfully I believe partnering with Project DAWN has been largely effective for the county. Quite frankly, a major reason why is because its a better strategy than doing nothing and expecting the issue of substance use (opioid in particular) to disappear. But also, its comforting to know as a social worker in the community, that I can utilize MCHD for education guidance for myself and my clients. Knowing this education and a Project DAWN kit are free to the general public is a significant positive step for combatting substance use (ZMCHD, n.d.). The availability of knowledge and tools is a major reduction of barriers that have often been associated with drug abuse help. Accessibility of resources is a vital element of equity at the macro level. This initiative also aligns brilliantly with a social workers responsibility to enhance the well-being of all people, especially those historically oppressed and vulnerable (NASW, 2021). With programs of education and tools like Project DAWN, counties like Muskingum are making progress towards a healthier and safer community.

References

Austin, M. J., & Claassen, J. (2008). Implementing Evidence-based Practice in Human Service Organizations: Preliminary Lessons from the Frontlines. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 5(12), 271293.

National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.

ZanesvilleMuskingum County Health Department. (n.d.). Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone).