Meeting 57-year-old Dawn S. in early September was an eye-opening experience for the Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) team.
Dawn lived in an encampment just outside of the city of Fresno, CA. Dawn referred to her living area as “the gray areas,” a place where she had strategically built a shelter out of plywood and a tarp to protect herself from the harsh weather conditions.
Since September, Linda P., an outreach specialist of our OEND team, has visited Dawn once every week or two to see her progress and determine whether she needed any linkages to other services. During each visit, Dawn was provided with a hygiene kit, a lunch sack, water, dog food, and clothing. In addition, linkages were also made to housing and mental health treatment.
Dawn expressed that she needed to obtain a new government Identification card but could not get one because she lost her birth certificate when she became homeless years ago. Linda provided her with a sworn Statement of Homeless Status for Fee Exempt Certified copy of Birth Certificate and a No Fee Identification card Eligibility Verification form.
Dawn’s living situation highlighted the struggles that many individuals experiencing homelessness face every day. Despite her difficult circumstances, Dawn was grateful for the support and resources that the OEND team provided. Linda and the team were able to educate Dawn about opioid use and distribute naloxone kits to help prevent overdoses in her community.
The OEND team visited Dawn again on November 27th. She greeted the team with so much kindness and gratitude. With a smile, she pulled out her new CA Identification card. She said that with the help of the forms provided by Linda, she obtained a certified copy of her birth certificate and a new government ID card without hassle. She felt a sense of relief knowing that she now had a valid form of identification that would make her everyday life a little bit easier.
Following up with the linkage to a housing navigator, Dawn is now receiving the help she needs from her assigned navigator, who is going above and beyond to support her in various ways. From accompanying her to doctor’s appointments to bringing her mail and assisting her in securing shelter and, ultimately, permanent housing, the OEND team and navigator have been a beacon of hope for Dawn.
Before receiving support from WestCare’s OEND team, Dawn admitted that she did not fully grasp the severity of the opioid epidemic, and the risks associated with fentanyl. However, through informational education provided by WestCare’s OEND team, Dawn learned about the alarming rise in opioid-related deaths and the importance of recognizing the signs of an overdose. She also learned how to effectively respond in the event of an overdose, including administering naloxone and seeking emergency medical assistance.
Dawn expressed gratitude for the support and education she received from WestCare’s OEND team, stating that it has empowered her to make more informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect herself and others from the dangers of fentanyl and opioids. She shared that she now feels more confident in her ability to recognize the warning signs of an overdose and respond quickly and effectively.
The encounter with Dawn shed light on the importance of outreach programs like OEND. It is crucial for individuals like Dawn, who may not have access to traditional healthcare services, to receive support and resources to protect their health and well-being. By reaching out to those living in the “gray areas,” the OEND team can make a real difference in the lives of individuals struggling with opioid use and homelessness.
Overall, meeting Dawn was a humbling experience for the OEND team. It reinforced the importance of our work and served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those facing adversity. The team left the encounter with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their efforts could impact lives and make a positive difference in their community.
To contact our OEND with WestCare California, reach out to 559-832-2068 or oend@westcare.com.
