Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. May 29, 2024.

Editorial: Overdose deaths down, but we’ve got to keep going

Finally, Hoosiers have some good news concerning the opioid crisis.

First, because of the effective distribution and use of Narcan, the opioid-reversal agent naloxone, the Hoosier state saw the second-highest percentage decrease in overdose deaths nationwide in 2023. The 18% drop underscores the importance of continued investment in substance abuse disorder education and recovery programs.

The impact of Narcan distribution is evident in the latest statistics. In Indiana, overdose deaths fell from an estimated 2,666 in 2022 to 2,190 in 2023. Across the country, the number of overdose deaths also saw a slight decrease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement came just a few days before the Office of the Attorney General distributed the next round of opioid settlement funding, which will total $8.8 million, secured across various lawsuits.

Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration has made substantial strides in addressing the opioid crisis. From creating a cabinet-level position dedicated to reversing overdose deaths to extending Medicaid coverage for a full range of substance use disorder treatments, Indiana’s efforts have been comprehensive. The state has expanded residential treatment beds by 385% since 2017, providing essential support for those battling addiction.

”From the outset of his administration, Gov. Holcomb has emphasized the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach to combat the drug epidemic,” said Douglas Huntsinger, the state’s executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement. “These numbers are a testament to the collaborative efforts of countless stakeholders who have contributed to Indiana’s comprehensive treatment and recovery infrastructure.”

A case in point of this collaborative effort is the work of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. The nonprofit distributes 24,000 doses of Narcan monthly, significantly contributing to the reduction in overdose deaths.

In April, ground was broken for a Mission 25 Shelter Services facility in Columbia City, which was partially funded by an Indiana Family and Social Services grant from opioid settlement funds.

The state’s Next Level Recovery Progress Report, released in December, details further initiatives, including creating 440 new recovery residence beds and 15 harm reduction outreach teams funded by $30 million of Indiana’s share of national opioid settlement funds.

Another highlight in the state’s report comes from the criminal justice system, where pre-incarceration diversion services and post-incarceration reentry services for low-level defendants with a substance abuse disorder have “proven to reduce recidivism by 20%.”

Opioid settlement funds provide a unique opportunity to build sustainable long-term recovery and prevention solutions. But Hoosiers must be vigilant, as this epidemic is not bound to race, income or geography, and thus requires a bipartisan, public-private approach.

We urge gubernatorial candidates Democrat Jennifer McCormick, Republican Michael Braun and Libertarian Donald Rainwater to prioritize substance abuse education and recovery in their platforms. We urge down-ticket candidates to follow suit

The next governor, like Holcomb, must be committed to expanding access to and supporting evidence-based recovery programs.

The Indiana General Assembly’s next session is a budget year, and we look for the state’s politicians to fund and prioritize these efforts.

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Anderson Herald Bulletin. May 28, 2024.

Editorial: School board should just let schools know they’re coming

It is rare in Indiana for a school district to develop a policy defining a school board member’s ability to visit district buildings.

Yet, Anderson Community Schools has found itself in a position where a policy is being pursued.

Such policies, usually a sign that there has been an unauthorized visit by a board member, can reflect dysfunction, mistrust and poor judgment.

It can be an indication, too, that board members do not trust their superintendent, the person hired to be a bridge between the board and staff, to carry out policy functions.

As a guideline, the Indiana School Boards Association recommends caution.

In February 2023, ISBA Senior Counsel Julie Slavens wrote, “An individual school board member does not have the privilege or authority to enter a school at any time, especially not during the school day. School board members sometimes think they have a free pass to enter school buildings to observe classrooms or speak with employees or students, but Indiana law does not provide them with the authority to do so.”

Granted, state law does not single out individual members in its laws governing the powers of a board.

But a board can appoint a member to engage in an activity on behalf of the entire board. Without that sanctioning, a board member should be treated like any parent or other visitor.

In other words, notify a school principal or transportation administrator when a visit is sought. Call first.

In Indianapolis, Warren Township’s school district might have the most extensive policy in the state, though such rules are, again, rare.

“Individual Board members who are interested in visiting schools or classrooms on an unofficial basis shall make the appropriate arrangements with the principal. In keeping with Board bylaws, such Board member visits shall not be considered to be official unless designated as such by the Board.

“The Board member shall be visiting as an interested individual in a similar capacity of any parent or citizen of the community. These visits should not be considered to be inspections nor as supervisory in nature.

“If, during a visit to a school or program, a Board member observes a situation or condition which causes concern, s/he should discuss the situation first with the Superintendent as soon as convenient or appropriate. Such a report or discussion shall not be considered an official one from the Board.”

This policy might raise more questions that it attempts to answer.

Visitation policies aren’t solely aimed at preventing a board member from seeking to explore teaching practices or, for example, finding out if bullying or harassment is occurring inside a building.

Visitation policies are meant to provide a safe, secure environment for students and staff.

While it’s important for board members to visit schools so that they understand the challenges, strengths and weaknesses of the various schools, it is reasonable that they should let administrators know when they’re going to visit and the purpose of their visit. Teachers and students shouldn’t be disrupted by unannounced visitors.

If it takes a clarifying policy to help the Anderson school board understand its role then so be it. But let’s first try a general rule: Let school principals and the entire board know you’d like to visit.

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