Missouri Lawmakers Tackle Drug Abuse Through Housing Solutions
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In a proactive effort to combat drug abuse and overdoses, Missouri lawmakers are focusing on homelessness as a critical factor. A dedicated group of legislators is convening regularly to explore legislative measures aimed at addressing substance use disorders within the unhoused population.
Dr. Nathaniel Nolan of Street Med STL, who works closely with homeless individuals, emphasized the link between homelessness and substance use, noting that many experiencing homelessness also struggle with addiction. During a recent meeting, he advocated for changing the approach to social services, suggesting that requiring sobriety or treatment before providing assistance is counterproductive.
Proposed solutions discussed include incentivizing landlords to rent to individuals in recovery, emphasizing preventive measures over reactive treatment, and meeting individuals in their current circumstances.
Encouragingly, statistics indicate a decline in drug overdose deaths in Missouri, with fatalities dropping from 2,180 in 2022 to 1,948 in 2023. This positive trend is attributed to enhanced access to treatment and recovery services across the state.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis has also begun offering online distribution of overdose medication, further supporting efforts to save lives and mitigate the ongoing drug crisis.
As lawmakers continue to brainstorm strategies, they hope to create a holistic approach that addresses both housing and healthcare needs as vital components of combating substance abuse in Missouri.
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