By Vivian Leyva
PIO Riley County
RILEY COUNTY — During the five-week period from April 27 to May 31 this year, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recorded 35 visits to emergency departments in Riley County where overdose was suspected. These emergency department visits have been attributed to a variety of suspected substances, including but not limited to alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids such as fentanyl.The average age of the patients was 34. Of those affected, 46% were male. This number is significantly higher than average. Based on data from the previous 52-week period, a typical five-week span in Riley County would see approximately 16 overdose-related emergency visits.In addition, it is important to note that 14 out of the 35 visits had some indication that the visit was related to suicide/suicidal ideation.In response to this increase, the Riley County Health Department is working to raise public awareness about available prevention and treatment resources.
Resources and Initiatives in Riley County
Access to Naloxone: Manhattan has two Save A Life stations. They are stocked with Narcan and fentanyl test strips and located at Be Able, 431 S. 5th St, and Tobacco Alley, 1815 Fort Riley Blvd.Riley County Health Department, 2030 Tecumseh Rd, and the Family and Child Resource Center, 2101 Claflin Rd. also have free Naloxone available during hours of operation.Naloxone training: Free training sessions on how to use Naloxone are offered regularly through Riley County Health Department. For more information, please contact Jennifer Ebert at [email protected] or 785-776-4779.Safe Medication: Ensuring safe medication practices including pledging to lock up medications, utilizing safe disposal options, and staying informed about fentanyl and opioid awareness. Riley County offers medication lockboxes/bags to those who “Take the Pledge to Lock Your Meds,” provides educational resources on safe storage and misuse, and facilitates proper disposal of unused medications. For more information, please contact Jennifer Ebert at [email protected] or Shanika Rose at [email protected] or call the Riley County Health Department at 785-776-4779.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Substance Misuse Task Force: The Substance Misuse Task Force is a multi-sector coalition including public health, law enforcement, schools, behavioral health providers and community partners. The group focuses on prevention, response, and recovery. If you are interested in joining the task force, please contact Shanika Rose at [email protected] or call the Riley County Health Department at 785-776-4779.Flint Hills Wellness Coalition: Flint Hills Wellness Coalition has a Mental Health Workgroup working with Pawnee Mental Health Services and other local providers and community partners to co-host outreach events and crisis response efforts such as mental health system assessment, Town Halls, and white papers. For more information about the Mental Health workgroup, please contact Shanika Rose at [email protected] or call the Riley County Health Department at 785-776-4779. For information about the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition, please contact Debbie Nuss at [email protected] or 785-341-1143.
Crisis Response & Direct Support
Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is heavily promoted on public health materials, social media, and flyers. Targeted outreach to vulnerable populations including youth and veterans.
- Pawnee Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Unit can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call them at 800-609-2002 or for non-emergency calls 785-587-4302. At any time someone (of any age) experiencing a crisis can call or come in person to Pawnee’s Crisis Stabilization Unit at 1558 Hayes Drive, Suite A, Manhattan KS, 66502.
Access To Mental Health Care
MHKMentalHealth.org exists to simplify the process of finding a mental health provider in Manhattan, Kansas and the surrounding areas. This database of local providers includes information about current availability, and other information to connect you with the best possible match. Those who are uncomfortable with speaking on the phone can text “MHA” to 741741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at Crisis Text Line, www.crisistextline.orgThe Child-Help USA 1-800-4.A.CHILD (1-800-422-4453) crisis line assists both child and adult survivors of abuse, including sexual abuse. The hotline, staffed by mental health professionals, also provides treatment referrals. Their website is www.childhelphotline.org