Opioid Crisis in Georgia - How Many Pain Pills Went to Your Community?

The opioid crisis has hit Georgia hard. We are among the top 11 states with the most opioid overdose deaths. However, some communities are struggling more than others. This map from the Washington Post shows how many opioid prescriptions were handled by retail and chain pharmacies vs the number of people in a 5 mile radius. 3 Georgia Pharmacies are on the top 100 list of "Most Pills per Person, Based on County Population" for 2006-2012.

Prescription opioids per person shipped to pharmacies in our area. For the full map, visit https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/pharmacies-pain-pill-map/?noredirect=on

Many addictions to opioids begin with legitimate prescriptions for pain management, but lead to suffering for many families. This crisis has led to an increase in the number of children entering foster care in communities across the country.
You can make a difference in our community by first learning more about the crisis and the toll addiction takes on a family. Next, find a way to help! One potential way is by becoming a CASA - find out more at our CASA Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday, August 20th. 
If CASA is not for you, then you could find another organization to volunteer with, such as The Ark, Sparrow's Nest, Advantage Behavioral Health, or Athens Recovery Fest! We can all make a difference, and we are ALL needed to make a difference.