USU Extension secures $350K grant to fight opioid overdose
Oct 11, 2024, 4:00 PM
PRICE, Utah — USU Extension received a $350,000 grant to help Duchesne, Uintah, and Daggett Counties fight opioid overdose.
Opioid overdose is the leading cause of death for construction workers in northeast Utah counties. Injured workers often seek the pain medication from doctors. But when that runs out, they look to the streets for fentanyl, which is powerful and addictive. However, the drugs allow them to keep working without missing a paycheck.
Aaron Hunt, Extension Assistant Professor and Health and Wellness Specialist, said the grant money will go toward purchasing a supply of Narcan, a life-saving nasal spray medication.
Additionally, the grant will provide education on how to recognize overdose signs and symptoms. The goal is to prevent addiction before it becomes deadly.
“They’re working through pain, and a lot of times they’ll start on an opioid if their doctor prescribes it,” said Hunt. “Most doctors are a lot more careful now about prescribing opioids.”
Hunt hopes the grant money will help restore dignity to abusers.
“Treating everyone who uses opioid as a criminal or something like that, it just stops people from being honest about their drug use and really limits their ability to seek help.”
Related:
- Study looks into ketamine as opioid alternative for pain management
- New Central Utah crisis center will be “life-changing” for those struggling with opioids
- DEA assembles Utah Drug Overdose Task Force to combat opioid crisis
