Indiana University is working with Witham to offer free, online training in the administration of Naloxone/Narcan, the life-saving drug that is used to reverse opioid overdoses. The training is quick, easy, and online. All you have to do is sign up to participate. Witham Health Services Foundation started the Mental Health in the Emergency Department program in 2019. This program gives every patient who comes to Witham’s ED with a mental health crisis the opportunity to receive immediate treatment from an Integrative Wellness mental health professional.
From November19, 2019 to October 31, 2020, Witham saw 169 patients in the ED who had a mental health crisis. Out of that 169, 109 presented with suicidal ideations and 57 came in due to substance use. Please note that these are only patients who came to the emergency department and said “yes” to help. This does not include patients who refused help, those who came via ambulance, a physician visit, or even those who were already inpatients here at Witham. This past March alone, at Witham, mental health patients required 91 hours of treatment in the emergency room. These numbers truly mean that both these programs are necessary for our community and we need your help.
The Opioid Rapid Response System (ORRS) uses the PulsePoint mobile app technology – linking in real- time, citizen responders to possible opioid overdose events occurring in public places in the community. Citizen responders are members of the general public who want to be trained in naloxone and rescue breathing administration, NOT a trained first responder (e.g., physician, EMT, fire or rescue, or law enforcement).
Indiana University’s goal is to provide free, online training to people residing in Boone, Dearborn, Hancock, Madison and Monroe Counties. All participants receive a free naloxone kit and compensation for completing two surveys. The study ends June 30, 2021.
To learn more about ORRS and signup for FREE Naloxone Training please go to: https://prevention.iu.edu/projects/orrs/training.php.
To learn more about or to support the Mental Health in the ED program please go to: https://www.witham.org/foundation/fund-the-need/fund-the-need or call 765-485-8112.
Witham Health Services is proud to partner with IU School of Public Health –Bloomington, the Boone County Health Department and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office in this effort to combat the opioid epidemic in our own community.
About Witham
Witham Health Services has served the residents of Boone and surrounding counties for over 105 years.
Under the current leadership of Dr. Raymond Ingham, President/CEO and the Board of Trustees, Witham Health Services has become a progressive, modern health care provider. We offer many of the medical services people need throughout their lifetime, right here, close to home. Whatever your health care needs are in the future, you won’t have to travel far for quality care. We have offices in Crawfordsville, Frankfort, Jamestown, Lebanon, Thorntown, Whitestown at Anson and Zionsville.
With our physicians, specialists, and advanced equipment and procedures, you can count on exceptional care in friendly, familiar surroundings with your family and friends nearby. If you’re hospitalized, your treatment will be managed by a physician or specialist you know and trust. Our staff takes pride in providing high quality care with a caring touch.
Witham Health Services is a county owned, nonprofit healthcare organization committed to improving health through excellence and personalized care. We also support the community through sponsorships, donations and partnerships that align with our Mission, Vision and Values.