May 16, 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of an effort to combat the ongoing opioid crisis affecting Arizona, the Civic Service Institute at Northern Arizona University has been awarded almost $303,000 through the Corporation for National and Community Service to begin the Alternatives to Managing Pain (AMP) AmeriCorps program, designed to put professionals into communities who can help people struggling with opioid addiction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AMP\nAmeriCorps program is located in Coconino, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai\ncounties. It focuses on assisting proprietary health and nonprofit\norganizations in educating their communities about the dangers of opioid\nmisuses and healthy ways to manage pain. The project aims to reach people 50\nyears and older who may be at risk for being prescribed opioids, are at risk of\nabusing opioids or need assistance with non-medical pain management\nalternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the\nNational Center for Health Statistics, while drug-related deaths have increased\namong all groups, older adults have seen the greatest percentage increase in\nthe last five years. These deaths have largely been related to misuse of legally\nproscribed opioids. In addition, numerous factors including accessibility,\nover-prescribing, chronic pain, physiological changes and other issues increase\nrisks for addiction for older adults, compared to younger people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Civic\nService Institute is seeking partner site organizations to host AMP AmeriCorps\nmembers. Partner sites pay a cost match to host members to serve homebound\nclients. AMP AmeriCorps members provide home visits, education, support and\ntransportation to alternative treatment to managing pain to clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
AmeriCorps\nmembers receive modest living stipends, professional development and training\non alternatives to managing pain and healthy coping skills. Additionally,\nmembers earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award after successfully completing\ntheir term of service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information, contact Andrew Facemire<\/strong> at AmeriCorps@nau.edu<\/a> or (928) 523-6395.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"