Community leaders to use opioid grant to tackle drug dilemma

Several Southwest Oklahoma entities may get funding to tackle projects related to Oklahoma’s opioid epidemic.

Funds will come from the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General, which has received 101 applications for an initial round of $23 million in grants from state groups. The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board received more than 250 letters of intent from local communities seeking the funds. The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board will distribute more than $1 billion that the state received from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, retailers and distributors.

In Southwest Oklahoma, the SW Oklahoma District Attorneys and County Commissioner Representatives may receive funds to create a regional facility to treat drug addiction.

In a previous Lawton Constitution article, District 5 DA Kyle Cabelka said the idea began more than a year ago. He, District 6 DA Jason Hicks and District 2 DA Angela Marsee discussed the difficulties of dealing with the epidemic.

They, along with District 3 DA David Thomas, agreed to develop a regional treatment and rehabilitation facility with potential satellite centers to create a long-term solution to the drug problem. The goal is to broaden diversion efforts, which could take drugs off the street and lessen the impact drug addiction has on the state’s judicial and mental health systems, according to the article.

Although there are facilities in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas, those needing help in rural areas, especially in Southwest Oklahoma, are unable to get access. Hicks said for many people filling the jails, treatment and rehabilitation are what can make a difference.

Hicks said the DHS office has the grant funds, and some of the money from the opioid settlement, to release to grant recipients across Oklahoma.

Hicks said they applied for “a grant to help with the idea of having a facility to assist people who are struggling with opioid addiction.

“I think we’ve all talked about, and it’s realistic enough to realize, that the facility is going to have to treat more than just opioids,” Hicks said. “We’ve got an opioid problem, you know, heroin, fentanyl, and whatnot. In Southwest Oklahoma, we also have an issue with methamphetamine. So, we’re looking at being able to treat more than just opioids.”

Hicks said there are two main sources of funding the facility: the Attorney General’s office and the Board of County Commissioners. Funds from the AG’s office can be used to maintain and/or employ personnel, but cannot be used as capital. Funds from the county commissioners board can be used as capital, as well as to purchase the land and build the facility.

“Anytime you have a treatment facility and have the ability to get people who have some type of addiction problem, in particular with opioids [and treatment], it’s going to have a positive impact,” Hicks said. “We’re going to be able to help people get away from that addiction, get them employed and get them off the streets. …They’ll have an income and be able to fend for themselves and be productive in their communities.”

Other entities in Southwest Oklahoma that applied for grants are Lawton Public Schools, the City of Altus, the Stephens County Commissioner’s Office and Comanche County Memorial Hospital.

Diane Landoll, grants director for Lawton Public Schools, said the school district has requested $75,000 to support the D.A.R.E. program.

“We will be able to expand the number of grade levels using the program and thus extend the number of students being supported in making positive life choices,” Landoll said.

Jan Neufeld, chief financial officer for the City of Altus, said they requested $250,000 for a Recovery Community Organization. They hope to partner with Hopeful Grounds, an up and coming Recovery Community Organization, “to help people combat the opioid epidemic.”

Neufeld said they haven’t received the funds yet, but the decision would be a big help to the community.

“We have a lot of resources analysis, but they’re all siloed (separated),” Neufeld said.

Neufeld said the Recovery Community Organization would be a one stop shop, where people can stop by and see what they need.

“People who are experiencing homelessness, they can stop to charge their phone, maybe get a cold bottle of water, that kind of stuff,” Neufeld said. “Anyone who is dealing with opioid addiction, who wants to get treatment, they can get help.”

If someone wants to get hygiene products at a siloed organization, depending on the hours of the organization, they may or may not be open. With a one stop shop Recovery Community Organization, the hours are more flexible, according to Neufeld.

Dr. Melissa Alvillar, chief nursing officer at Comanche County Memorial Hospital, said they applied for the grant and plan to use it for maternal/fetal care.

“It would allow us to identify the use of opioids sooner in order to establish an appropriate care plan for the patients in a more timely fashion,” Alvillar said.

Alvillar said they have not received notification of receiving the grant, but have a max allowance of $300,000.