The Uintah Basin is very aware of how the opioid crisis has greatly affected rural communities, especially our own. Robin Hatch, the Prevention Coordinator for Northeastern Counseling Center, was recently interviewed on Fox 13’s The Place. Hatch works for a prevention team that covers Duchesne, Uintah, and Daggett Counties. They rely on local residents, church groups, civic groups and businesses to help spread information to the public. Recently, the team found that individuals were hoarding medications, throwing fire on the opioid crisis. They set about sharing the critical message for people to get unused medications out of houses and farms, focusing on educating veterinarians and farmers with large animals to be mindful of prescribed opioids quantities. There has been some great success educating the public about local drop box locations that are used to safely dispose of medications. If anyone wants to partner or volunteer for this cause, visit dsamh.utah.gov or utahprevention.org to contact a local coordinator.
