Substance Use Issues
CHP supports community-centered planning to address the opioid epidemic and other substance use issues in the Pikes Peak region.
CPAR
Coalition for Prevention,
Addiction Education and Recovery
CHP provides backbone support for a coalition of stakeholders engaged in coordinated community-centered planning to mobilize our collective resources to address the opioid epidemic and other substance use issues.
- CHP supports 119 individuals representing 58 agencies committed to addressing the prescription drug misuse and heroin use crisis in El Paso County.
- Guide to Help Coloradans Achieve Mental Wellness and Recovery: Click here
Readiness Assessment -
Opioid Crisis
In March 2016, CHP convened key stakeholders to address the opioid crisis in El Paso County. Over the course of six months, work groups met to identify gaps, assess community capacity and prioritize recommendations relevant to the opioid crisis. In 2017 CHP was awarded a one-year grant from The Colorado Health Foundation to conduct a Community Readiness Assessment and Action Plan concerning opioid misuse and abuse.
- Released Facing the Opioid Crisis in El Paso County: A Needs Assessment Report 2018. The report uncovers truths, validates concerns and puts into perspective the broad effects of the crisis.
Opioid Abuse
The nation’s opioid crisis is a topic that receives wide coverage in the media. Given the scope of the crisis, the attention is warranted.
- In 2017 there were a total of 147 drug related accidental deaths in El Paso County. Of those drug related deaths, 92 were due to opioids (63%).
- Because of its cheaper price, heroin has become the drug of choice for many who are addicted to opioid pain relievers. Approximately three out of four new heroin users misused prescription opioids prior to using heroin.
- In 2016, 1/3 of Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D received prescription opioids, often receiving higher doses than recommended for prolonged periods of time.
- In 2017, among 70,237 national drug overdose deaths, 47,600 (67.8%) involved opioids, with increases across age groups, racial/ethnic groups, and in multiple states including Colorado.
General partners
Project Detour
CHP is piloting a program to coordinate substance use disorder treatment and housing for women experiencing or at risk of homelessness with addiction issues and criminal justice system involvement to reduce recidivism and improve health outcomes. This pilot program was made possible with funding from BUILD Health Challenge and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services/ Centura Health.
- Project Detour provides housing, supportive services, and access to medication assisted treatment for up to 12 women at a time.
Project Detour is breaking the cycle of addiction. This program, piloted through a collaboration with Community Health Partnership, the BUILD Health Challenge, Penrose-St. Francis/Centura Health, 4th Judicial District Recovery Court, and Homeward Pikes Peak, provided housing, case management, and access to medication assisted treatment to nearly two dozen formerly incarcerated women with substance use disorders over 18 months. Big shout out to Dominque Knowles and the team at Homeward Pikes Peak for this success story. Click here to learn more and see the video of her success:
Providing support
If you are interested in supporting CHP’s mission to prevent misuse and promote recovery, please contact info@ppchp.org.
