Prevention Consultants: 

Through the HRSA funding from MRPC, we have completed the 10-session Too Good For Drugs evidence-based drug prevention curriculum in eight area schools in four counties. We appreciate the partnership with MRPC to provide this important program! The schools and number of students included the following:

Bourbon High School – 39 students
Bourbon Elementary – 325 students
Edgar Springs – 18 students
Cuba High School – 82 students
Cuba Middle School – 193 students
Rolla High School – 751 students
Salem High School – 76 students
Vienna Elementary – 177 students

Total students completing the program = 1661 (This is five times more kids than year one.)

Utilizing the pre and post evaluation tool to assess prevention skills provided by the Too Good for Drugs curriculum, students have improved their scores by an average of nearly 20%.

Because of the COVID 19 school shutdown, we were unable to provide the program in two schools. 

Invent Yourself, LLC: 

Invent Yourself, LLC, has been an active participant of the HRSA Grant for Year Two. COVID19 has impacted our efforts slightly, but we’ve adapted and been able to serve the needs of our four counties. We’ve actively participated in the Quarterly Consortium meetings and maintained weekly communication with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. A summary as follows:

Rehabilitation through Innovation programs are scheduled for Phelps County and Crawford County. The programs will begin in July 2020, and conclude in August 2020. Relationships have been established with multiple recovery groups in Phelps and Crawford Counties and we continue to service the needs of recovering addicts in both Counties.

We’ve established a working relationship with the Maries County Sheriff Department, the Maries County Commission, and the Maries County Health Department to assess, and address, a plan of action for the County. We’ve raised the awareness of opioid addiction and the opportunities that are available to those in recovery, and those with a criminal background. 

Additionally, we’ve established a working relationship with the Dent County Sheriff Department, the Dent County Commission, the Dent County Health Department, and the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney to assess, and address, a plan of action for the County. We’ve raised the awareness of opioid addiction and the opportunities that are available to those in recovery, and those with a criminal background.

Dr. Sean Siebert has remained in contact with numerous individuals that participated in the Rehabilitation through Innovation programs in Year 1. Siebert has provided mentorship and counsel to these individuals assisting them with their continued path of recovery. Siebert has also been able to provide employment counsel and assisted them with job-related searches and career advice. Dr. Siebert hosted two job fairs in January 2020. Recovering addicts and those with felony convictions were invited to the job fair events and were provided with opportunities for employment. Further, Siebert has provided these individuals with insight and education on medical, mental health, dental, and other health care organizations that can assist them with their mental and physical health needs. Siebert has also provided letters of reference for housing and for meeting their legal obligations. 

Dr. Siebert participated as a panelist at the A Changing Workforce: Responding to the Opioid Epidemic event hosted in November 2019. Additionally, Dr. Siebert worked with members of the consortium to schedule speakers and promote the event.

Lastly, Dr. Siebert has been a public speaker at numerous civic organizations and high schools throughout the region. Through these speaking engagements, Siebert continues to champion recovery and reduce the stigma associated with being a recovering addict and/or a convicted felon. Further, Siebert continues to work with employers, and civic and government organizations (Job Centers, etc.), to develop strategies and action plans for hiring those with a criminal background.

Phelps-Maries County Health Department:

Over the past year the Phelps-Maries County Health Department continued serving individuals and families by making assessments and referrals to community resources, regional treatment facilities and out-patient services. The Phelps Maries-County Health Department offered free Hepatitis A vaccinations to at-risk persons and did outreach clinics at a local shelter. Staff from the Phelps-Maries County Health Department serve on consortiums and attend meetings to promote awareness, distribute information and make connections with community members and stakeholders. The Phelps-Maries County Health Department is in the process of working with MOHOPE to provide community NARCAN. Due to COVID-19 staff have transitioned to meeting virtually and supporting individuals and families over the phone. Staff continue to attend trainings and webinars to stay up to date on current trends and the needs of individual effected by substance use disorder.

Dent County Health Department:

Over the last year, the Dent County Health Center has attended coalition meetings with the team at MRPC. We have established relationships, built networks, and worked on strategies to improve the Opioid Crisis in our communities. This coalition, collaborating efforts with Your Community Cares Rural Health Coalition (which we are also a member of), is working hard to address the inequities and challenges in rural areas. We are all working to increase the availability of behavioral health and substance abuse treatment in the area, promote work readiness in individuals that struggle with addiction, and decrease the stigma associated with substance abuse. 

Your Community Health Center:

Over the last year, Your Community Health Center has attended coalition meetings with the team at MRPC. Through this collation YCHC has provided education and awareness on the treatment of SUD while establishing relationships, building networks, and provided input on the strategies to improve the opioid crisis in our communities. YCHC is a community leader who has been providing treatment including medication assisted therapy, counseling and access to community health workers for individuals with a SUD. During this past year our medication assisted therapy program has grown to an estimated 175 patients. YCHC was able to obtain medication lock boxes from this project do provide to a few of these patients as needed. The leadership of this coalition and another coalition that YCHC leads is now working together to implement strategies that do not duplicate efforts so that together we can make the largest impact for our communities.