Jackson County public health outlines opioid response plan as overdose rate remains above state average

Jackson County Public Health presented a year‑long update to the County Legislature on Sept. 28, saying local overdose deaths have declined but remain disproportionately high. Bridget Schafer, director, told lawmakers the county’s rate "was 21.6 per 100,000 compared to the state of 14.6," calling the gap a driver for a coordinated, data‑driven response.

Assistant director Ray Daluglecki described three priority projects: expanding fixed‑point Narcan access across the county, launching an overdose fatality review board to examine individual deaths for system gaps, and convening an Overdose Prevention Collaborative to create a shared strategy across health care, first responders and community organizations. Daluglecki said the county has identified five priority communities (Blue Springs, Downtown Lee’s Summit, Grandview, Oak Grove and Raytown) based on combined overdose rates and social vulnerability indices.

Public Health gave specific distribution figures for 2026 to date: "we've distributed 6,437 boxes or nearly 13,000 doses," and sent 2,360 packs of 10 fentanyl test strips, while operating satellite access points and blue‑box vending machines in multiple municipalities. Officials said the vending machines carry Narcan, test strips and basic health supplies to reach people outside normal business hours.

Schäfer (sic), who framed the update around lives saved, said the county needs more timely data, stronger partnerships and efforts to reduce stigma so people ask for help. Legislator Mark McGee asked how the department coordinates with COMBAT; Health staff said COMBAT provides strategic input and data though it is not attending every collaborative meeting.

The health department said the county launched its overdose fatality review board in 2026 and has reviewed three cases so far, emphasizing that multidisciplinary reviews will inform systemwide prevention recommendations. Officials also said a November deadline will produce a detailed action plan from the collaborative and that some 2027 plans will be shaped after the group executes initial steps in December.

The presentation closed with an appeal for ongoing budget support: officials asked to work with the county administration in the budget process to secure resources to sustain distribution and treatment access efforts.