Johnson County Prevention and Recovery Coalition
In March of 2022, a group of community partners came together to form the Johnson County Prevention and Recovery Coalition and tackle the concerning trend of opioid and fentanyl misuse, overdose and death in Johnson County. The coalition has grown to include members of diverse sectors, including healthcare providers, school professionals, first responders, community advocates and members of the treatment and recovery communities, along with many more. The group produced a community assessment report to identify local conditions to guide priorities.
Through the leadership of Johnson County Mental Health Center, the coalition is utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework, an evidence-based process, to plan, implement and evaluate prevention efforts. From a community assessment report, the coalition identified four top priorities and created workgroups focused on each priority.
Coalition Workgroups
Prevention and Education
The Prevention and Education workgroup strives to coordinate with community partners to provide all-inclusive messaging, information and strategies to address substance use and misuse.
The coalition's "You Never Know" campaign is successfully informing the community, including young people and their parents, about the growing issue of harm and fatalities linked to illegally-manufactured fentanyl.
Root Causes: Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Substance abuse and addiction almost always have underlying causes, and these roots of addiction must be addressed. The Root Causes workgroup looks at these factors at the population level, aiming to identify interventions that impact them, thus preventing individuals in the future from becoming addicted.
Studies indicate that connected families and positive school and social behavior can reduce the risk of substance abuse. Parents and caregivers can utilize Behavior Checker to empower children to thrive emotionally and physically.
We need individuals to join the Root Causes workgroup. If you are interested in joining, please email MNH-PRCoalition@jocogov.org.
Harm Reduction
The Harm Reduction workgroup is working to save lives in Johnson County by advocating, educating and providing tools to decrease risk of overdose and poisoning deaths in our community.
This evidence-based approach encourages engaging positively and directly with people who use drugs and equipping them with life-saving tools and information, including Harm Reduction Kits. These kits can help to decrease overdose fatalities and life-threatening infections and diseases.
The Harm Reduction Kit includes:
- PRC healing card for medical appointments
- Treatment provider list
- Signs of an overdose card (English and Spanish)
- Naloxone and instruction card (Intranasal spray medicine for overdose emergencies)
- Information on Johnson County Mental Health Center services
- Condoms
- Bandages, gauze and alcohol pads for wound care
To request a kit, please email MNH-PRCoalition@jocogov.org.
Treatment and Recovery Supports
The Treatment and Recovery Supports workgroup is dedicated to:
- Identifying local resources for substance use disorders and mental health disorders
- Making these resources accessible to the entire Johnson County community
- Developing and educating our community through key initiatives like:
- The development of a substance use treatment provider directory for Johnson County and the Kansas City area
- The development of the Healing Cards to communicate healthcare needs regarding opioids and other medications for individuals in recovery
Recovery is possible by bringing the community together to help support those currently in recovery or finding their way to recovery.
Coalition Meetings
All community members are welcome to attend our meetings. The bi-monthly meetings are held on odd-numbered months from 3-4 p.m. in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in person at the Olathe Indian Creek Library or virtually on Zoom. To receive the Zoom meeting details, please email MNH-PRCoalition@jocogov.org.
Kansas Naloxone Program
DCCCA is providing free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray and training to community organizations and any Kansas resident. DCCCA is funded for this project by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services through the State Opioid Response grant initiative from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Note: This program offers free Naloxone/Narcan contingent upon continued Federal, State & Local Funding and available supply.
Request PRC Materials
The Johnson County Prevention and Recovery Coalition offers free, evidence-based prevention materials designed keep your loved ones healthy and safe, such as gun locks and prescription medication locking caps.
Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations
Did you know most people who misuse controlled substances obtain them from family and friends, often from the medicine cabinet? Properly disposing of old, unused or expired prescription medications is essential to preventing opioid misuse, addiction and overdose deaths.
The following public disposal locations are within 15 miles of Olathe and only accept pills. Local hospitals and medical centers can properly dispose of needles.
CVS Pharmacy
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy
Deterra Drug Deactivation & Disposal System
Deterra Drug Deactivation Pouches for drug disposal at home can be requested by contacting mnh-prcoalition@jocogov.org.