5 minute read
UNITED AGAINST THE OPIOID CRISIS:
The Amphibious Group & ABC Central Florida Lead the Charge for Workforce Wellness
By Terence A. Curran Jr., ABC CF Safety Committee Chair, The Amphibious Group
In a remarkable partnership aimed at addressing the opioid crisis within the construction industry, Terence Curran Jr., chief operating officer of The Amphibious Group, along with Michele Daugherty, president and CEO of ABC Central Florida Chapter, are spearheading an initiative that seeks to educate and protect the workforce of Central Florida.
The reality of opioids, a class of drugs with potent pain-relieving properties, has a long and complicated history. Originally derived from the opium poppy plant, these substances have been used for centuries to manage pain. However, misuse and over-prescription of opioids have led to a modern-day health crisis that continues to affect countless individuals. The United States has faced an alarming epidemic of opioid misuse and overdose deaths for several decades. USA FACTS details California had the most total death from Fentanyl in 2022 with 6,453, Florida second with 5,083, and New York third with 4,950 total deaths. This data is tracked through the CDC drug overdose data.
The construction industry is one of the sectors that have been impacted the hardest by the opioid crisis. The demanding and physically taxing nature of construction work, combined with a high risk of workplace injuries, makes construction workers particularly vulnerable to opioid addiction. This vulnerability is reflected in alarming statistics, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reporting some of the highest rates of opioid misuse and overdose deaths within the construction industry.
The statistics surrounding drug abuse in the construction industry are often alarming, especially when compared to other sectors. Among other industries in the U.S., construction ranks:
• Third in illicit drug use — 12.95%
• Second in heavy drinking — 16.02%
• Second in substance abuse disorder — 16.07%
• First in marijuana use — 60.33%
• First in heroin use — 4.42%
• First in pain reliever/opioid abuse — 22.63%
Amphibious Medics and ABC Central Florida are at the forefront of a movement to tackle this pressing issue head-on. The partnership represents a concerted effort to educate, empower, and protect the community’s workforce. As of October 2023, Amphibious Medics has educated 92 employees among nine companies, with more classes scheduled during the remainder of the year and throughout 2024.
The approach is comprised of multiple elements:
Awareness and Education: Terence and Michele recognize the importance of awareness. Together, they are organizing seminars and workshops in the field and at the ABC office, designed to inform workers about the dangers of opioids, signs of addiction, and harm reduction strategies. These educational classes are conducted by two of Amphibious Medics’ finest instructors David O’Keefe (English) and Carlos Corral (Spanish).
Training: Recognizing the potential life-saving impact of Narcan, both partners are providing training on how to use this medication to reverse opioid overdoses. Free Narcan kits are distributed to all participants to ensure they have the tools needed to respond to emergencies.
Support and Resources: For individuals struggling with addiction, a collaborative effort connects them to the necessary resources for rehabilitation and recovery, emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
The opioid crisis is a challenging battle, but it's stories like that of Matthew Livingston, a Modern Plumbing Industries employee, that remind us of the profound impact that education and preparedness can have. On October 10, 2023, while filling up his van at the Chevron Quick Mart in Orlando, Florida, Matthew Livingston made a discovery that would change a life.
As he approached a vehicle at the adjacent gas pump, Matthew noticed an individual inside their car who appeared to be asleep with the car running. Concerned about their well-being, he knocked on the window repeatedly but received no response. When he opened the door, he found an adult male unresponsive with a drug pipe in his hand and recognized the signs and symptoms of a potential overdose. Acting quickly and confidently, Matthew called 911 and, thanks to the training and education Matthew received the week prior by Amphibious Medics and ABC, he used his Narcan kit to revive the individual.
Matthew Livingston's quick thinking and the training he received are a testament to the power of education and preparedness. This real-life incident reinforces the importance of initiatives led by individuals like Terence and Michele, who are committed to equipping the Central Florida workforce with the tools and knowledge to respond to the opioid crisis.
As these leaders continue their dedicated efforts to educate and protect the construction industry, stories like Matthew's remind us that every life saved is a victory against the opioid pandemic. This partnership offers hope and practical solutions to a workforce that needs them more than ever.
If you or someone you know is experiencing substance use disorders, call the SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662HELP (4357), a free, confidential, 24/7, year-round treatment referral and information service (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
For more information, email training@abccf.org
Sources:
• https://usafacts.org/articles/are-fentanyl-overdose-deaths-rising-in-the-us/
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data. htm#:~:text=1%3B%20natural%20and%20semisynthetic%20 opioids,4%3B%20cocaine%2C%20T40.
• https://www.viewpoint.com/blog/tackling-substance-abuse-inconstruction#:~:text=Focusing%20on%20just%20the%20 United,substance%20in%20the%20last%20year.
