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Clay County organizations unite to break the cycle, help families affect by drug addiction

Hammer and Hope

For Clay Today
Posted 7/21/21

CLAY HILL – Illegal drugs are not specific to just one community. In our community, however, more than 20 Clay County organizations and agencies aim to break the cycle and help families affected by …

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Clay County organizations unite to break the cycle, help families affect by drug addiction

Hammer and Hope


Posted

CLAY HILL – Illegal drugs are not specific to just one community. In our community, however, more than 20 Clay County organizations and agencies aim to break the cycle and help families affected by drug addiction. Hammer and Hope will focus on the efforts against illegal drugs and it will bring dozens of free wrap-around services to Clay Hill and Middleburg families. The initiative hopes the free event will be the first of an ongoing partnership and community outreach effort.

Illegal drug use creates a cycle of crime and broken families. Hammer and Hope aim to combat those issues – on both the side of justice and through individual and family resources to Clay County families living in the Middleburg and Clay Hill areas.

On Thursday, July 22, Sheriff Michelle Cook and Clay County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Glenn East detailed the Hammer and Hope initiative. Cook announced the results of a long-term investigation. Joined by community partners, they will be sharing their efforts against illegal drugs and how community stakeholders are coming together to help our county’s families suffering from addiction issues.

On July 23rd, this group of community leaders will be bringing free wrap-around services to individuals and families in the Clay Hill and Middleburg area. Clay County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone dealing with addiction, including family members and friends, to stop by and take advantage of the free comprehensive services being offered. The agency understands illegal drugs are not specific to just one neighborhood... But this is where we start. This event will be held at Wilkinson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will provide a drug education display to educate parents and caregivers. The agency will also have a no-questions-asked drug take back. Its Community Affairs deputies will be on hand to answer community questions, concerns, and provide information.

Clay County Fire Rescue Community Paramedicine is proud to be working with the Clay County Sheriff's Office to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths in Clay County. We will be providing medication-assisted treatment to assist anyone who wants help getting off

opioids. Medication-assisted treatment is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which are effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders and can help some people to sustain recovery.

The Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office, under the direction of Tara S. Green, help families get their lives back on track – the individuals sentenced and fined due to drug-related crimes and the loved ones impacted by the offender's addiction and incarceration. Onsite event services will include E-Notify (court date notification), information about injunctions (domestic violence), Baker Acts (mental health) and Marchman Acts (substance abuse), plus hard-copy or online forms needed for services, payment plans and eligibility/case review.

Clay Action Coalition's mission is to prevent and reduce substance misuse among Clay County youth and adults through increased education and collaboration. At the Hammer and Hope event, it will provide Deterra Drug Disposal packets for at-home use, a pamphlet highlighting safe alternatives to opioid use for pain management and other prevention education materials. Narcan kits also will be available to community members who wish to have them.

Clay Behavioral Health Center supports the sheriff’s efforts and is happy to partner with law enforcement and other community stakeholders to continue mental health and substance use treatment. It will have Narcan, treatment information, handouts and clinical staff available for consultation.

Impact Clay will help individuals and families by linking private, public, nonprofit, and faith-based services in Clay County.

The Way Free Medical Clinic will provide information on free basic primary medical care to uninsured Clay County residents, including diagnostics, labs, medication, patient education, prenatal and OB care for pregnant women, diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory specialty care.

The Clay County Tax Collector will provide an onsite consultant to assist the Clay Hill / Middleburg community with navigation through the sometimes-difficult task of reinstating a driver's license. Consultants will take the time to help individuals chart a path towards reinstatement and complete this important step in the journey to normalcy.

Kids First of Florida will provide information on resources and referrals to assist at-risk children and families impacted by abuse and neglect.

The Quigley House will provide information on survivor domestic violence and sexual assault services, 24-hour helpline services, emergency shelter, outreach advocacy services, crisis intervention and crisis counseling for adults and their children, for both women and men.

Clay County District Schools Police Department exists to protect and serve CCDS students, staff and families. Chief Kenneth Wagner will be onsite to talk and answer any questions about the upcoming school year regarding safety and security. CCDS Police will also have a variety of giveaways.

Florida Department of Health-Clay will provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations, education on unintentional injury prevention, family planning, STD education and resources for the WIC program. The Opioid Prevention Coordinator will be available to provide education on opioids, prescribing guidelines, and safe medication disposal.

Mercy Auto will be on hand, giving access to self-sustainability through reliable transportation. Mercy Auto provides reliable transportation and repairs at an affordable price to the people of Clay County.

The Florida Department of Children and Families will provide a wide variety of services. You can find out more about how DCF's programs and services can help families of those battling addiction at MyFLFamilies.com.

Operation Barnabas provides hope, encouragement, and mentorship to at-risk veterans and first responders through outreach and resources in a swift and timely manner.

Wolfson Children's Hospital advocates for children while reaching beyond the hospital walls to promote safe and healthy childhoods for all kids.

River Christian Church has a Celebrate Recovery Program that offers healing to those who are experiencing grief, depression, sexual abuse, and loneliness. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place where people can find acceptance, friendship, and no judgment.

First Baptist Middleburg offers food and clothing to those in need through the Agape House Ministry.

The Supervisor of Elections Office is responsible for conducting federal, state, and local elections in Clay County. The Elections Office’s goals are to enhance public confidence through accurate elections, to provide voter registration opportunities, and to educate and encourage civic participation through voter outreach programs and community events. The Elections Office is the source for verified election information and is dedicated to serving the voters of Clay County.

Groups Recover Together is a mission-driven medical practice that aims to increase access to affordable, evidence-based treatment for Opiate Use Disorder. Its focus is to bring services to communities that have been hardest hit by the epidemic. The clinical model combines three pillars: evidence-based medicine, specifically Medication-Assisted Treatment with buprenorphine; community, formed through weekly group therapy led by licensed counselors; and, holistic care, including care coordination to address other mental/physical health needs and social determinants.