Defense Date

12-3-2021

Graduation Date

Fall 12-17-2021

Submission Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

School

School of Nursing

Faculty Mentor

Dr Frank Kosnosky

Committee Member

Desmond Raftery

Keywords

law enforcement, deflection, addiction, substance-use disorder, Naloxone

Abstract

Abstract The goal of the Elk Grove Village Cares program is to decrease the deaths and overdoses of those who abuse opioids through harm reduction strategies and provide access to treatment. The article is a program evaluation of the Elk Grove Village Cares program. Surveys, interviews and the synthesis of program data is used to evaluate the efficacy of program activities. Results: The rate of death from opioid use has decreased an average of 1.7 deaths since program implementation in 2018. Law enforcement officers (LEO) and the community responded similarly to many survey questions regarding attitudes surrounding addiction. Within the survey, 25-30% law enforcement officers responded neutral to all questions. Nineteen percent of LEO respondents admitted they are not confident with conversations about providing referrals after an overdose. Approximately 50% law enforcement officers believe that access to life saving naloxone is an inhibiting factor to seeking treatment. Recommendations: Continue education efforts to improve knowledge, compassion and reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder. Use of “Champions” and the creation of scripts to improve the intake and referral process will benefit the program. The information presented in this evaluation would be valuable to other like-minded police departments across the country considering similar program endeavors.

Language

English

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