Springfield healthcare provider offers extended resources during overdose emergency

(KY3)
Published: Oct. 19, 2019 at 6:33 PM CDT
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Local resource groups are reacting to the recent overdose spike in Springfield. As previously reported, authorities responded to at least 20 overdoses in 48 hours. That's more than the city typically sees in one month. Two people have died.

Preferred Family Healthcare is typically open 24/7, but will have extra staff on site Saturday and Sunday to provide extended resources in the wake of the epidemic.

The clinic in Springfield has extra counselors on staff around the clock this weekend. They're offering evaluations, treatment and medications. They're also handing out free Narcan kits for free to anyone who wants them, no questions asked.

PFH offers residential and outpatient services. Treatments are free for the uninsured through the State Opioid Response Grant.

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said Friday he believes the cause of the overdose spike might be related to fentanyl, which is even more deadly than common street drugs like heroin and methamphetamine.

Casarah Peng, the clinical supervisor with Preferred Family Healthcare, said spikes like this typically travel throughout the state, but, to her knowledge, Springfield is the only city in Missouri experiencing this epidemic so far.

"It's really scary and it can be emotional for us. We do get on very high alert when this happens," Peng said.

Peng and others in the Springfield recovery community have heard reports fentanyl could be to blame for the epidemic.

"Even for some of them that have been clean or sober for quite some time, all it takes is one more time, and it's batches like this that come through cities that really kind of push that point that it could be one last time," Peng said.

David Stoeker, with Better Life in Recovery, said fentanyl is even more powerful than common street drugs.

"So sometimes when somebody uses heroine, it takes around 5 to 15 minutes after they use to overdose. With fentanyl, sometimes we find people with half a syringe still in their arm. They don't even make it through a shot before they lose the ability to breath," Stoeker said.

It's a terrifying time for the patients Peng serves. That's why her clinic has extra counselors on staff around-the-clock this weekend, help anyone who might be thinking now is the time for change.

Those ready for treatment will go through a brief evaluation with Peng and her team. Then, through the State Opioid Response Grant, they can receive treatment and medication for their addiction within 24 hours.

"We're going to help as best as we can, even if that means our services aren't what's going to help you, we will find what's going to help you, anywhere," Peng said.

Preferred Family Healthcare, and Better Life in Recovery, will be giving out free Narcan kits throughout the weekend. However, both Peng and Stoeker say, Narcan is not the long-term solution to substance abuse.

The Better Life in Recovery team is available for Narcan training and kits at 1925 E. Bennett in Springfield, Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Staff is available for walk-ins at the Preferred Family Healthcare clinic at 2411 W. Catalpa in Springfield. The phone number is 417-862-3455.