Lincoln County is grappling with the devastating consequences of drug addiction and its impact on households, particularly children, following the tragic death of a 49-day-old infant.
The child’s death, linked to fentanyl and methamphetamine exposure, has spurred the community to take urgent and innovative steps to combat drug abuse, focusing on prevention, recovery, and enforcement.
The Tragic Incident That Sparked Action
The heartbreaking death of a 49-day-old infant exposed to fentanyl and methamphetamine shocked Lincoln County into action.
Six individuals, including Dillon Clark, Gabriel Clark, Adam Hausermann, Evan Hausermann, Selena Rodriguez, and Shawna Walton, have been charged in connection with the case. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
An autopsy revealed the infant’s exposure to these lethal drugs, highlighting the dire consequences of drug abuse within households.
Lincoln County’s Troubling Drug Statistics
Sheriff Rick Harrell reported concerning data about the county’s drug problem:
- Approximately 600–700 households have been identified as being affected by drugs.
- Over 1,000 children are potentially exposed to drug use in these environments.
Children in these households are at risk of developing drug dependencies or, in some cases, being forced to use drugs. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies.
Key Initiatives to Address the Crisis
1. Prosecution and Zero-Tolerance Policy
County prosecutor Mike Wood emphasized a zero-tolerance approach for drug crimes resulting in death. The six individuals charged in the infant’s case face severe legal consequences.
2. Harm Reduction for Users
Sheriff Harrell stressed the importance of distinguishing between problem drug users and drug traffickers.
- Approximately 1,500 problem drug users in Lincoln County are being treated with harm reduction strategies.
- Law enforcement is prioritizing enforcement against 45 known drug traffickers, ensuring they are held accountable for perpetuating the drug crisis.
3. Narcan Distribution
Narcan, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, is playing a critical role in the county’s harm reduction efforts:
- EMS teams and even the county coroner leave Narcan behind after responding to overdose calls.
- Overdose ambulance calls have dropped from 104 in 2021 to 76 in 2023.
4. Community Opioid Response Efforts (CORE)
CORE is a collaborative initiative distributing resources and educational pamphlets to affected households.
- The group aims to prevent addiction before it starts by raising awareness and providing support.
- CORE has already seen positive results, with overdose deaths dropping from 28 in 2022 to 8 in 2023.
Support for Affected Children
The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri (CAC) plays a pivotal role in supporting children exposed to drugs. The center provides:
- Forensic interviews to gather crucial information in drug-related cases.
- Mental health therapy to help children cope with trauma.
- Advocacy services to ensure children receive the resources they need.
The CAC serves over 1,000 children annually, addressing the devastating effects of drug exposure and addiction on young lives.
Progress and Future Goals
Lincoln County’s multi-faceted approach has already yielded promising results:
- A reduction in overdose deaths, from 28 in 2022 to 8 in 2023.
- A continued decrease in overdose ambulance calls over the past two years.
However, the ultimate goal remains zero overdose deaths. By leveraging community partnerships, harm reduction strategies, and strict enforcement against traffickers, Lincoln County aims to build a safer future.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Households Affected | 600–700 |
| Children Exposed | Over 1,000 |
| Overdose Deaths (2022) | 28 |
| Overdose Deaths (2023) | 8 |
| Ambulance Overdose Calls | Dropped from 104 (2021) to 76 (2023) |
| Problem Drug Users | Estimated 1,500 |
| Drug Traffickers Identified | 45 |
Lincoln County’s proactive response to its drug crisis is a testament to the community’s commitment to change.
By addressing addiction at its root and implementing harm reduction strategies, the county is making strides toward protecting vulnerable populations, especially children.
The tragic death of the 49-day-old infant serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved.
However, with collaborative efforts like CORE, stricter enforcement, and targeted support for affected households, Lincoln County is paving the way toward a safer, drug-free future.
