The Bison Resiliency Coalition is a vital substance misuse prevention and education initiative at Salish Kootenai College. Our mission? To halt substance misuse's impact through strategic prevention efforts. We're mobilizing our community, bolstering prevention efforts, and spreading awareness. With evidence-based programs and accessible education, we're not just talking; we're taking action. Join us at Bison Stampede, Wellness Wednesdays, and more. Together, let's empower the SKC community to mak
Let's Talk About Goals
We're on a mission to beef up our prevention game at SKC and the Flathead Indian Reservation. Why? To stop substance misuse in its tracks and dial down its impact. Here's how we're doing it:
CAPACITY BOOST: We're getting ready for battle by mobilizing and building the firepower we need.
COMMUNITY CREW: We're bringing everyone to the table! Engage with us – diverse minds make us stronger.
DREAM TEAM: Say hello to our prevention superheroes! We're developing and strengthening a team that's ready to tackle this head-on.
SPREADING AWARENESS: We're turning up the volume on the issue. Let's make sure everyone's tuned in to the importance of preventing substance misuse.
Alright, crew!
We're not just talking the talk; we're walking the walk. Here's the inside scoop
EVIDENCE-BASED MAGIC
Brace yourselves for a winning combo! We're rolling out evidence-based programs, policies, and practices – the secret sauce to tackle our Strategic Plan priorities.
To achieve this goal we have chosen to implement a few different prevention strategies that are outlined by the state of Montana such as Information Dissemination, Prevention Education, and Positive Alternatives.
Information Dissemenation
You can catch us at campus activities like Bison Stampede, New Student Orientation, Wellness Wednesdays, and Spill the Beans. Keep an eye out for announcements of upcoming dates for these activities. We look forward to seeing you there!
Prevention Education
We aim to provide education about substance misuse, current prevention methods, and Naloxone/Narcan Training. These offerings will be announced every quarter, so keep an eye out on the Bulletin Board and our Facebook Page for these.
Below you will find the prevention & response methods that we are currently utilizing.
Positive Alternatives
Movement Mondays
Movement Mondays promotes healthy living practices by integrating movement daily.
Movement Mondays also aims to help participants:
- Participants can start their morning/week off in a positive way.
- Participants have the opportunity to connect with others who have similar goals and can develop a supportive community to continue practicing healthier living.
Details:
- When: Every Monday during the quarter (Keep an eye out for an updated flier and bulletin board announcements)
- Where: SKC Fitness Center (Joe McDonald Health Center). (Depending on the weather) We will be inside today walking the track.
- Who can join: Everyone is welcome, regardless of your fitness level. Bring a friend for extra fun!
Pictured above is a glimpse of one of our weeks when SKC’s Fitness Center Certified Personal Trainer Dakota Swank appeared for a demonstration on proper hip hinge movement. Along with one of our weekly prize winners.
More events are in development so stay informed by following us on SKC Community Health & Development Facebook and strike up a conversation with us when you see us around campus. We want to connect with the SKC community as much as we can.
Substance Misuse
Let's get real about something that affects us all – substance misuse. It's not just a buzzword; it's a spectrum of behaviors that can sneak into our lives in unexpected ways. From casual socializing to more intense situations, understanding what substance misuse is all about is key. Let's break it down, and navigate this journey together. Because knowledge is power, and we're all about empowering the SKC community to make informed choices. Check out the diagram below to better understand the differences between Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse.
Substance Use vs. Substance Misuse vs. Substance Abuse
Substance Use
Any use of mind-altering substances like illegal drugs, cigarettes, and anything else that significantly alters the way we perceive the world.
Substance Misuse
When someone uses legal substances in an improper or unhealthy way.
Substance Abuse
Has a similar meaning to substance misuse, but health professionals are increasingly moving away from it because it can perpetuate shame.
Another way to perceive substance misuse is by recognizing it as a dynamic spectrum that fluctuates over time, encompassing a diverse range of behaviors and intensities. The spectrum evolves through various stages:
Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit. (2023, January 26). Alcohol & Substance Use - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. https://healthunit.org/health-information/alcohol-other-drugs/
- Occasional and Moderate Use: Individuals may engage in responsible social drinking or occasional recreational drug use without significant negative consequences.
- Escalation of Behaviors: Progressing along the spectrum, behaviors may escalate, leading to more frequent and intense substance use.
- Risky Behaviors and Challenges: In the middle of the spectrum, individuals may face challenges in their personal and professional lives due to substance misuse, experiencing risky behaviors, and negative health effects.
- Dependent: Substance abuse can evolve into dependence, characterized by a loss of control, compulsive seeking, and continued use despite harm.
Our Prevention Methods
Through innovative strategies, the BRC is actively engaged in preventative efforts, with a particular focus on Safe Rx Locking Pill Bottles and Deterra Drug Deactivation Systems.
Prescription-safe Safe Storage and Disposal
- Deterra Drug Deactivation Systems - Deterra Drug Deactivation Systems are an alternative to flushing and discarding unwanted medications.
- Safe Rx - Safe Rx Locking Pill Bottles are a system that was developed to safely store prescription drugs at home, work, school, or when traveling. It is locked and can only be opened by a code.
Safeguarding and discarding prescription drugs are both great ways to prevent substance misuse. According to Safe Rx (2018), they may also prevent many other things such as;
- Pill Theft
- Accidental Drug Poisoning
- Pediatric Poisoning
- Prescription Drug Abuse
We offer both Small/Large Locking Pill Bottles, Small/Medium Deterra Bags, and Naloxone Kits in the office. Safe Rx LLC. (2018, June 25). Safe Rx LLC Press Kit. Fact Sheet.
Our Response Methods
As the surrounding communities including our campus grapple with the growing concerns of accidental drug poisoning, it's more important than ever to be in the know. Equip yourself with Narcan/Naloxone – a game-changer in swiftly tackling opioid emergencies and ensuring the safety and well-being of the SKC community.
Accidental Drug Poisoning
If someone in your household experiences an accidental drug poisoning and you suspect it is due to Opioids, it may be reversed by the use of Naloxone/Narcan. The application is quick and simple.
First call 911 immediately then administer Naloxone, peel, place in the nostril, and press.
Then ensure that they are breathing or give rescue breaths. Once they resume breathing, position them on their side which is the recovery position. Do not leave them, stay with them until help arrives.
Naloxone kits pictured above have 2 doses of Narcan, disposable gloves, a CPR breathing mask, and instructions on how to administer Narcan.
We have these kits on hand at the CHD offices, contact us or drop by to grab a kit or two.
Naloxone Kit Distribution
We are thrilled to announce the distribution of Naloxone Kits across our campus, reinforcing our commitment to the health and safety of our community members.
Distribution Locations:
To ensure that Naloxone Kits are readily available, we have strategically placed them in 12 key locations around campus. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these locations by referring to the informational posters displayed nearby. You will find the Naloxone Kits placed near First Aid kits and AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) as they are all life-saving measures that can make a significant difference in emergencies.
Pictured below is the SKC Campus Map that displays all locations and is marked with a purple cross:
Refill and Informational Support:
If you are interested in obtaining a Naloxone Kit or need a refill for your existing kit, we are here to assist you. You can find us in the lower level of the John Peter Paul Building during regular business hours. We are more than happy to provide you with the necessary resources and information. If you notice any of the above locations are empty or wish to establish a kit for your building please contact us and we can take care of it!
Funding Acknowledgment
The Bison Resiliency Coalition (BRC) is on the Salish Kootenai College (SKC) campus through the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success grant. The purpose of the coalition is to strengthen the prevention and intervention of substance abuse and misuse on the SKC campus and in our community with the help and collaboration of campus, community, and interested party stakeholders.
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