Abstract
Problem Identification
Opioid overdose deaths are at an all-time high in the United States (U.S.). Opioids include drugs like illegal heroin, synthetic opioids, and pain relievers that are used to relieve pain. Many opioids are known as hydrocodone, fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone, etc. The national, state and local rates of opioid overdose deaths showcase a large disparity in certain demographics. San Joaquin County (SJC) ranks 15 in California counties with 113 deaths in 2022. SJC males ages 25-39 faced the highest number of deaths in 2022 compared to all other ages and to their female counterparts.
Analysis
The contributing factors that impact deaths by opioid overdose among early middle-aged males in SJC include lack of knowledge of opioids, family history, social stigma, barriers to treatment, lack of access to resources like mental health services, and lack of funding available for community opioid initiatives.
Intervention Proposal
San Joaquin County Opioid Response Effort (SJCORE) intervention includes a social media health campaign, health education workshops, and an advocacy coalition. Hired professional staff will lead this campaign by providing engaging social media posts, hosting workshops to unite the target population through education, and involving the current opioid coalition stakeholders to advocate for the expansion of opioid overdose reversal drugs.
Implementation and Evaluation
SJCORE staff will execute the intervention, use analytical insights, collect participant feedback, and provide expert reviews to assess the process. The intervention will use pre/posttests for health education and social media engagement numbers and/or self-reports to achieve the program goals and objectives.