Press Release: New Initiative to Combat Drug Overdoses and Suicides in Lewis and Clark County
Helena, MT – In a concerted effort to address the alarming rates of drug overdoses in Montana—where approximately 80% of these cases are unintentional—the Lewis and Clark County Department of Public Health has appointed Jakob Miles as the new coordinator for overdose prevention and the Safer Communities Montana Suicide Prevention Program. This position is funded through a dedicated grant aimed at enhancing community health initiatives.
Miles aims to raise awareness in the community about overdose and suicide prevention. “I want to spread information so people know how to help themselves, their friends, and their families,” he declared. With a decade of military experience underscoring his work in coalition building and relationship management, Miles is well-equipped for this role, especially given the concerning suicide rates among veterans in Montana.
His primary focus includes outreach initiatives to distribute essential resources such as gunlocks, Narcan, and drug activation kits. These resources are provided free of charge and can be accessed at the Lewis and Clark Public Health building lobby, located at 1930 Ninth Avenue.
Miles emphasizes the importance of leveraging local partnerships to maximize impact. "We work with many partners across Lewis and Clark and surrounding counties to ensure our efforts are effective and far-reaching,” he stated.
Community members seeking help or additional information are encouraged to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8. This initiative represents a critical step toward fostering a safer and more informed community capable of combating the scourge of drug overdoses and suicides in the region.
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