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Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses
Nationwide increase in fatal drug overdoses prompts education on treatment and naloxone
~Prevention and resources key to overdose prevention~
TOPEKA – In light of a nationwide fatal drug overdose trend, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages awareness and education regarding drug overdose prevention in Kansas, including awareness of treatment resources and access to naloxone.
“Fatal drug overdoses have increased steadily for decades in both the U.S. and Kansas, and in 2020 there was an increase yet again,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Beyond increased funding for mental health and substance use treatment, we must commit to working across all sectors – law enforcement, judicial, healthcare, religious, schools, and communities – to reverse this trend.”
Nationwide, between 2019 and 2020 there was a 30 percent increase in drug overdose fatalities with more than 90,000 reported. Drug overdose fatalities increased in Kansas by 24 percent, from 393 in 2019 to 477 in 2020. Of those 2020 numbers, 183 involved psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine, 161 involved synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and 71 involved prescription opioids. Overdose deaths involving any prescription or illicit opioid accounted for 53.2% of all fatal overdoses in 2020. It is of note that more than one drug can be involved in a fatal drug overdose, so these values are not mutually exclusive.
Fatal overdoses were significantly higher among males compared to females, at 63.9% and 36.1% of the total. Additionally, fatal overdoses were highest among age groups between 25 and 54, comprising 296 (62%) of all overdose deaths.
Kansas is following similar overdose death trends observed nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Synthetic opioid overdoses, primarily caused by fentanyl, have driven this surge in overdose deaths. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility, and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and can be difficult to reverse. In Kansas, synthetic opioid overdose deaths, mainly caused by fentanyl, increased by 130% from 2019 to 2020.
“Substance use disorders (SUDs) are extremely complex and the reasons for the increase may depend upon the individual and their own determinants (biological, psychological, social, spiritual),” Dr. Norman said. “What we do know is that there is a need for more substance use disorder and Behavioral resources in our state.”
Connecting individuals to SUD services is best practice for drug overdose prevention. Recovery from SUD is possible. Those in need of help can call Kansas’s SUD hotline at 866-645-8216 or visit findtreatment.gov to locate treatment services.
KDHE recommends that individuals who use substances and their support networks have naloxone and are trained in administration processes. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Kansas allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription pursuant to KAR 68-7-23. Visit ktracs.ks.gov/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing to find a naloxone-dispensing pharmacy near you.
DCCCA, Inc. has a naloxone program which is funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. DCCCA has a limited supply of naloxone kits available for those who are unable to access it through a local pharmacy or other means. Additionally, DCCCA offers free naloxone training. Please visit dccca.org/naloxone-program for more information.
Please visit www.http://www.preventoverdoseks.org for resources, epidemiological data, and more information on Kansas’s efforts to prevent drug overdoses.
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Healthy Eating on a Budget
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]
Seller’s market is what one might call our current economy. The cost of homes and vehicles are highly valued due to demand exceeding availability. This demand-pull on goods and services causes higher than average inflation rates, affecting everyday items we purchase such as the food we eat at or away from home. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), food prices have changed 4-5% from a year ago. With a higher cost of items, paying closer attention to spending and habits may be important to stay within financial budgets and goals.
Healthy eating is important at every age—and can be done on a budget. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start with these tips:
- Plan, plan, plan. Plan your meals for the week based on your food budget and make a grocery list that includes staples and perishables. Save money by buying only what you need.
- Compare similar products. Locate the “unit price” on the shelf sticker near the item price. Compare different brands and sizes for the best money-saving option.
- Stretch your food dollars. Add beans and canned or frozen vegetables to bulk up your meals and make your food dollars go farther. You will reap the benefits of extra fiber, vitamins, and nutrients while feeling full.
- Grow your own in your home. Grow herbs like basil and oregano inside your home for a fraction of the price. Small gardens can be grown on a windowsill or a kitchen counter.
- Buy in bulk. Save money by buying larger quantities of foods that store well like whole grains, canned or dried beans, and frozen vegetables. Don’t overbuy foods that you will throw out later.
- Look for on-sale produce. Grocery stores rotate their sales and buying what is on sale is a great way to save money and get variety. Do the same with frozen and canned items.
The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite. For more tips on healthy eating on a budget visit myplate.gov/eat-healthy/healthy-eating-budget. For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.3720.
Governor Encourages Vaccinations
Governor Laura Kelly Releases New Public Service Announcement on the Delta Variant
~ As COVID cases continue to rise statewide, Governor Kelly asks Kansans to get vaccinated to protect communities from the Delta variant ~
TOPEKA – As the Delta variant continues to rapidly spread across Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly today released a new TV ad urging Kansans to protect their communities and families by getting vaccinated. The PSA reminds Kansans the Delta variant is twice as infectious as previous versions of the coronavirus and now accounts for nearly all new cases in Kansas. The spot focuses on vaccinations which is the primary way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
“While we hoped this summer would be the return to normal we have all been waiting for, serious COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, and the Delta variant is one of the primary drivers of COVID infections across our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We have to do everything we can to get the virus under control and protect our communities. The answer – the vaccine – is in our hands, but we’re going to need to work together to ensure we all get vaccinated and stay safe.”
Those who are not vaccinated are at the greatest risk right now. 99% of COVID deaths and over 97% of COVID hospitalizations nationally have been people who were not vaccinated. The vaccine is safe, free, and can help save lives. In addition to getting vaccinated, if you or someone you know has been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, get tested as soon as possible. Testing, like the vaccine, is free, even if you have been tested before.
Governor Kelly encourages anyone who has questions about the vaccine to visit GetVaccineAnswers.com.
For more information on where you can be tested for COVID-19, visit: KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.
To view the PSA, please click here.
Fort Scott/Bourbon County’s Dispatch Moved For Security, Space Issues
Those who answer emergency calls for the Bourbon County community have been moved to a more secure and bigger space from the Hawkins Public Safety facility at 1604 South National Avenue.
People and equipment in Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch Department moved to 207 S. Judson, on June 22, 2021. The site is the former correctional facility adjacent to the Bourbon County Courthouse.
“We answer all incoming 911 emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate agencies such as police, deputies, fire, and Emergency Medical Services,” Traci Reed, communications manager, said. Reed has been in this position for ten years and in the dispatch department for 14 years.
“We also answer all calls that require calls for service for the community,” she said.
Why the move?
“Personal and structural safety has always been a concern for our dispatch facility,” Reed said. “The Hawkins building housed police, fire, and dispatch, and the shortage of room was an issue as well.”
“The public has access to the Hawkins Building and dispatch should not be physically accessible to the public due to safety reasons,” she said.
“Fortification of dispatch is very important due to bad weather or any other kind of disaster that may occur,” Reed said. “If any disaster would take place dispatch has to be able to continue communications with all agencies to ensure the safety for our citizens of the city and county.”
“The benefit (to the community) is that dispatch can and will continue to run efficiently and serve this community to the best of our ability to ensure safety for not only our citizens but also our First Responders,” she said.
Jobs
Currently, there are seven full-time employees with one part-time employee.
There is one full-time vacancy at this time, she said.
Qualifications for employment require passing a background check, being able to multi-task, have listening skills, and being able to handle stressful situations, Reed said.
To apply go to the City of Fort Scott Website at www.fscity.org to fill out an application.
Obituary of Michael R. Moore
Michael Ray Moore, age 56, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, August 2, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born in Port St Joe, Florida on November 6, 1964.
At 17 he enlisted in the USAF and served four years as an SP guarding B52 bombers on the flight line. He then served 20 years as a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, achieving the rank of Lieutenant and head of the narcotics unit. Upon retiring, Mike became a private investigator working felony criminal cases in the Tallahassee, Florida area.
After moving to Kansas with his family, he worked for the State of Kansas.
Mike enjoyed the simple things in life like fishing and boating with his family, board games, and movie nights. His priorities in life were God and his family.
Mike is survived by his wife and soulmate, Aimee Moore, and six children: Kayla Moore (Crawfordville, Florida), and Sierra Lemcke, Hailey Lemcke, Riley Lemcke, Brayden Moore and Bryce Moore of Fort Scott, Kansas. He has four grandchildren: Ashton, Bella, Payton, and Xander (Crawfordville, Florida), and 6 nieces and nephews in Kansas.
Following private family services, committal will take place at 12:30 PM Wednesday, August 11th, in the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.
Military honors will be provided by the USAF Honor Guard.
Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Evergy Announces 2021 Second Quarter Earning Results
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Aug. 6
Building For Lease at US 69 and National Ave.
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RSVP Part 2 by Patty LaRoche
Several years ago, Nicole Contos was scheduled to be married in a Manhattan church.
She showed up, 250 invited guests showed up, but the groom didn’t. He took off for Tahiti, the intended honeymoon location. So, there she was with a $100,000 reception and no wedding. What did she do?
She did the same thing the king in Matthew 22 did when his son’s reception didn’t turn out as planned. She said, “The food is ready, the drink is ready. We’re gonna have a party. And she did.” Last week, we looked at Jesus’ parable of a wedding ceremony in which a king’s invited guests opted not to come to his son’s marriage feast and killed the servants who came looking for the no-shows. Not a smart plan, since the king had an army at his disposal and sent it to annihilate the killers. (Not exactly a memorable marriage moment.) The parable doesn’t end there, however. The king then sent word for anyone and everyone to come and fill the seats for the banquet, and come they did.
Every down-and-out, every castle cast-off, came running.
But this is where the story turns wacky. The king, checking on his guests, noticed a man “who did not have on a wedding garment.” When asked why, the guest remained mute. “Then the king said to the servants, ’Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14). A little over-kill, perhaps?
Tell me your heart doesn’t ache for the poor man. I mean, perhaps he had no fine clothes. Did his last-minute invitation come with a “formal attire” heads-up? Did everyone else have time to run home, sponge off in the Jordan River and don sequined togas?
I’m guessing not.
So, why is this guy singled out? Commentators write that none of these eleventh-hour invitees would have had appropriate clothing. The king would have supplied the guests’ apparel; all they had to do was to put it on. But this guy wouldn’t even do that much. He decided to come on his own terms instead of submitting to the king’s wishes.
Jesus’ point is well taken. The Jews—listening to Jesus as he spoke– had plenty of opportunities to R.S.V.P. favorably to God’s invitation to follow His commandments. God even sent His son, Jesus, but most of the Jews refused to believe that he was the Messiah. They said they would obey. They didn’t.
We’ve all met them. God has invited our neighbors, friends and relatives to be a part of His kingdom feast, yet they choose to remain spiritually sloppy. Most can’t find the time to participate, and many who come fail to completely submit. But are we just as guilty? Do we daily respond to God’s prodding, to serve Him before ourselves, to maintain the same enthusiasm we had when we first answered His call, to live up to kingdom standards? “Many are called but few are chosen.”
The choice is ours to make.
Kansas Advisory For Blue-Green Algae
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.
Active Advisories
Warning
Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County
Milford Lake Zones A and C, Geary County (Zone A upgraded 8/5)
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
South Lake, Johnson County (upgraded 8/5)
Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County
Marion County Lake, Marion County
Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County
Webster Reservoir, Rooks County
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County
Hargis Lake, Sumner County
Watch
Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County
Pony Creek Lake, Brown County
Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County
Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County
Big Hill Lake, Labette County
Parsons Lake, Labette County
Marion Reservoir, Marion County
Neosho County State Fishing Lake, Neosho County (new)
Overbook City Lake, Osage County
Buhler City Lake, Reno County (new)
Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (new)
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (downgraded 8/5)
Advisories Lifted 8/5/21
Mission Lake Horton, Brown County
Agra City Lake, Phillips County
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
- Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
- Water contact should be avoided.
- Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
- Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
- If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
- Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
- Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
- Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
- Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
- Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
- Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.
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Death Notice of Margaret P. Stevens
Margaret Patricia Stevens, age 85, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, August 5, 2021, at her home. There was cremation. Private family services will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.