Hueckman

BAKER CITY — New Directions Northwest of Baker City has received a federal grant to start a public awareness campaign about the dangers of fentanyl.

The powerful synthetic opioid has led to an increase in overdose deaths in Oregon and other states over the past few years.

“As we solved the issue of medication drop off around 2018, we began to focus on the impending fentanyl overdose epidemic,” said Haley Hueckman, prevention coordinator for New Directions Northwest. “We noticed that there had been a lack of accurate prevention messaging around basic info about fentanyl.”

Hueckman said the awareness campaign will focus on helping the public identify fentanyl, recognize potential overdoses and learn how to use Narcan, a drug that counteracts the effects of fentanyl.

New Directions used the grant to produce a short video featuring Baker City Police chief Ty Duby on patrol, describing the hazard fentanyl has presented to the community.

The video is available on the Baker County Safe Communities Coalition and New Directions Northwest Facebook and Instagram pages.

The video also features an interview with Baker native Andy Micka, who overcame an addiction and now works for New Directions.

Hueckman said she plans to continue the publicity campaign, including having booths at local events such as movies at Central Park, health fairs, resources fairs and the annual Community Night Out in August.

“I think there definitely needs to be more education around harm reduction,” Hueckman said. “For example, the concept of a designated driver is a form of harm reduction. Decreasing the likelihood of accidents, and/or death. The same can be said for Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug. This is to reduce the risk of death.”

Another form of harm reduction, Hueckman said, is placing needle disposal containers in the community.

The Baker County Library District board is considering installing one outside the library.

Hueckman noted that boxes are available not only for drug users, but also for diabetics who need to inject insulin.

“Syringe disposal sites provide a safe place for sharps to be disposed of, by both a person who uses drugs and any community member,” she said. “If a community member comes upon a needle/sharp and disposes of it in public garbage, that can pose a risk to others, especially to someone whose job it is to empty said garbage. Sharps can harm people, pets and wildlife when discarded improperly.”

In addition to the public awareness campaign, Hueckman said New Directions has certified counselors who can help people struggling with addiction or mental health issues, or, as is sometimes the case, both challenges.

“I would like to let folks know that there is help available to them here in Baker County,” Hueckman said. “New Directions offers outpatient mental health and substance use treatment at our 13th street location, and inpatient services at Baker House Women’s, Baker House Men’s and Recovery Village Center.”

Those in need of mental health/addiction support can call New Directions at 541-523-7400, and if there is a medical emergency such as an overdose, call 911 immediately.

More information is available at newdirectionsnw.org/