Urging The State And Counties To Prioritize And Direct All Available Resources To Supporting Coordinated Interagency Collaboration And Public-private Partnerships Aimed At Addressing The Ongoing Fentanyl Epidemic.
The SCR64 resolution emphasizes the necessity of a coordinated effort between various government entities, health organizations, and community partners to effectively address the multifaceted issues related to opioid use, specifically focusing on fentanyl. This collaboration is intended to encompass a range of strategies, including enhanced education, improved drug treatment and recovery services, and increased law enforcement and drug interdiction efforts. By formalizing this urging to prioritize resources, the resolution reinforces the state’s commitment to tackling this crisis through a unified front.
SCR64 urges the State of Hawaii and its counties to prioritize and allocate all available resources towards coordinated interagency collaboration and public-private partnerships to combat the ongoing fentanyl epidemic. This resolution comes in light of the alarming increase in drug overdose deaths across Hawaii, particularly those involving opioids where fentanyl plays a significant role. According to the resolution, over thirty percent of overdose deaths in Hawaii are attributed to opioids, reflecting a serious public health crisis that has escalated significantly since 2017.
Notably, the resolution points to the inadequacies in the utilization of effective treatments for opioid addiction available in Hawaii. Despite the existence of FDA-approved medications, their uptake by health providers remains low, exacerbating the risks of overdose fatalities. Furthermore, public health experts advocate for expanding access to naloxone, an opioid antagonist, to prevent deaths due to overdoses. This speaks to a broader public health initiative aiming to not only manage the fentanyl epidemic but also to prevent future crises through proactive measures.
The SCR64 resolution also highlights successful ongoing initiatives, such as the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force, which has developed educational campaigns, distributed thousands of naloxone kits, and engaged in community outreach. These interventions serve as a model for how interagency and public-private partnerships can work effectively to combat the complexities of the fentanyl crisis. The resolution's call for statewide application of these strategies aims to enhance outcomes across all islands in Hawaii.