Johnson County Community Health Services (JCCHS) adopted an ordinance that established a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) in April of 2017 in partnership with Saint Louis County Public Health to help combat an increasing threat of opioid abuse.
In a report released by Saint Louis County Public Health, third quarter results are positive for Johnson County. Schedule II-IV controlled substance dispensation rates per 1,000 residents for Johnson County were lower than the overall rate for the state. All age groups in the county received significantly lower rates of controlled substances than the state average. Schedule II-IV controlled substances include hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol among others.
“The PDMP program in Johnson County is proving to be effective as a tool to help combat the opioid abuse problem. These results indicate that area physicians are being mindful of the negative effects of opioids and I want to applaud them for helping keep the rates in Johnson County low.” noted Anthony Arton, administrator for JCCHS. Arton went on to say, “I am grateful for the partnerships we have with area physicians, pharmacies, law enforcement and other stakeholders that help to make this program a success.”
Johnson County along with several other state counties and municipalities have joined a program administered by St. Louis County with a goal of improved control of substance prescribing and reducing the number of people who misuse, abuse, or overdose with controlled substances.
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