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Florida State University’s Ellen Piekalkiewicz, an eminent authority in public policy, legislative and governmental affairs, as well as disability rights in the College of Social Work, is open for interviews regarding the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that revealed the lowest rates of drug overdose fatalities in five years.
Piekalkiewicz serves as the director of the Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children. She has a wealth of experience as an educator focusing on opioid recovery in patients, overseeing the Southeast Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center, which extends outreach to rural areas in the vicinity.
“Outreach and education are essential public health strategies that significantly contribute to lowering opioid overdose fatalities,” Piekalkiewicz stated. “At the Stoops Center, we comprehend that numerous individuals, families, and communities encounter obstacles to understanding the dangers of synthetic drugs — particularly highly potent varieties like fentanyl. Informative campaigns that raise awareness about the perils of contaminated street drugs, often laced with fentanyl, as well as promoting overdose prevention strategies such as naloxone and the significance of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) have aided in altering public perception, diminishing stigma, and encouraging safer practices.”
Media representatives wishing to discuss the CDC report with Piekalkiewicz can reach her by email at [email protected].
Ellen Piekalkiewicz, director of the Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children, College of Social Work
What other aspects require attention to ensure the continuation of the decline in overdose fatalities?
While advancements have been made, several critical areas necessitate ongoing and heightened attention:
- Access to Comprehensive and Culturally Attuned Treatment
Not all communities have equal access to MAT or recovery assistance. Marginalized groups often encounter systemic hurdles. Broadening services to embrace cultural competence, trauma awareness, and affordability is vital.
- Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Numerous individuals with substance use issues also grapple with unaddressed anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trauma backgrounds. Integrated care strategies that tackle both mental health and substance use are crucial.
- Housing and Job Security
Long-term recovery often relies on social determinants of health. Enhancing supportive housing, employment education, and transportation services can stabilize individuals and lower the chances of relapse.
- Youth Preventative Measures and Early Intervention
Instructing youth about substance misuse, assisting them in developing protective factors, and early intervention in high-risk settings is essential to avert new waves of addiction.
- Criminal Justice Reform
Increased focus is needed to redirect individuals from imprisonment to treatment and to facilitate reentry with ongoing care for those facing substance use challenges.
What role does the College of Social Work play in opioid recovery and treatment?
The FSU College of Social Work, notably through the Stoops Center, fulfills a diverse and leadership function in addressing the opioid crisis:
- Workforce Development and Training
We educate future social workers, clinicians, and community leaders in evidence-based approaches for substance use disorder treatment, recovery coaching, and navigating systems. Our focus on field placements in addiction recovery services fortifies both the workforce and service provision.
- Community Collaborations
We partner with health departments, non-profit organizations, and justice systems throughout Florida to execute and assess opioid recovery initiatives, such as peer support networks, MAT expansion, and community outreach efforts.
- Advocacy and Stigma Mitigation
Our programs emphasize person-centered language, anti-stigma training, and harm reduction education while attempting to reshape the public narrative surrounding addiction.
The post Florida State University expert on opioid recovery available to provide perspective on latest CDC report appeared first on Florida State University News.
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