The opioid epidemic is the most significant public health and public safety crisis facing Illinois. The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The opioid crisis affects everyone in the state in some way. Its victims are of all ages, races, and walks of life. Drug overdoses have now become the leading cause of death nationwide for people under the age of 50. In Illinois, opioid overdoses have killed nearly 11,000 people since 2008. In Illinois last year, nearly 2,000 people died of overdoses—almost twice the number of fatal car accidents. Beyond these deaths are thousands of emergency department visits, hospital stays, as well as the pain suffered by individuals, families, and communities.
Can drug addiction be treated?
Yes, but it’s not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives. Due to the symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological grip heroin has on its users, a professional treatment center usually offers the best chances of a successful recovery. Medical management is important in helping wean individuals off opioids by helping to reduce cravings and prevent future use.
Macoupin County Medically Assisted Opiate Recovery Program
The substance abuse recovery program at Maple Street Clinic has been successful in treating many individuals that suffer from opioid addiction. Our services include:
Medical Stabilization
Medically Assisted Recovery
Outpatient Treatment Program
Individual Treatment Plan
Individual Therapy Sessions
Group Psycho-education Classes
Group Psychotherapy Sessions
Medical and Dental Services
Counselor Services
Family support groups
Our clinical staff includes a team of experts in the field of opioid recovery. Components of treatment include:
16 million American adults are affected by depression every year. Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed. Depression takes a toll not only on the individual but also the entire family and can lead to marital problems and cause adverse effects on the emotional, behavioral and cognitive development of children in the family. Depression can cause impaired functioning, loss of income and diminished quality of life.
Symptoms of depression include:
Feeling sad, worthless or helpless
Lack of interest in usual activities
Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
Sleep disturbance
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself
What Causes Depression?
The exact cause of depression is unknown. It is believed that depression results from the interaction of a combination of factors:
Genetically influenced responses to stress
Exposure to early life stress, such as trauma, abuse or loss of parent
Presence of ongoing stressors, such as death of a loved one, divorce or loss of a job
Going through a major life change‚ even if it was planned
Having a medical problem, such as cancer, stroke, or chronic pain
Using alcohol or drugs
What Are the Treatments for Depression?
Many helpful treatments for depression are available. Treatment for depression can help reduce symptoms and shorten how long the depression lasts. Treatment can include getting therapy and/or taking medications.
Many people benefit from seeing a therapist who can help you cope with thoughts‚ feelings‚ and issues that are happening in your life now and prepare you for challenges in the future. Some common goals of therapy include:
Overcoming fears or insecurities
Coping with stress
Making sense of past painful events
Having better relationships with family and friends
Many people with depression find that taking prescribed medications called antidepressants help improve their mood and coping skills. Several antidepressant medications are available and sometimes it takes several tries to find the best medication and the right dose for you, so be patient. Some people start to feel better a few days after starting the medication‚ but it can take up to 4 weeks to feel the most benefit. Antidepressants work well and are safe for most people‚ but it is still important to talk with your doctor if you have side effects. Some antidepressants may cause risks during pregnancy so it is important to tell your provider if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant.
Depression and Suicide: Getting Help in a Crisis
If you or someone you know is having thoughts about hurting themselves or committing suicide‚ please seek immediate help. Call 1−800−273−TALK (8255) to reach a 24−hour crisis center or dial 911. 1−800−273−TALK is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides free‚ confidential help to people in crisis.
Get Informed. Get Screened. Get Help.
According to the CDC, nearly 90% of persons with severe depressive symptoms reported difficulty with work, home, or social activities yet only 35.3% of persons with severe depressive symptoms reported having seen a mental health professional in the past year. The goal of treatment is remission and complete recovery to increase the quality of life for you and your loved ones. Both Maple Street Clinic and Morgan Street Clinic offer professional help for depression and other behavioral health issues. Medication management and counseling services are offered for all ages. We are currently accepting new patients, offer flexible appointments, and affordable rates.
The Macoupin County Public Health Department believes everyone should have access to comprehensive and quality health care. We are dedicated to serve and work with the people in the community to prevent disease and promote wellness to the residents of Macoupin County. Our clinics offer preventative and medical services for all individuals across the lifespan. We accept patients from newborn to senior citizens regardless of insurance coverage.
We accept:
All Private Health Insurances
Traditional Medicaid
Medicare
Harmony (Managed Medicaid)
Illinicare (Managed Medicaid)
Meridian (Managed Medicaid)
Molina (Managed Medicaid)
Envolve
Liberty
Denta Quest
Avesis
Blue Cross Community Family Health Plan (Managed Medicaid)
Sliding fee scale is available for uninsured individuals and under insured
For more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics call:
Safe Families of Macoupin County provides residents who are experiencing domestic violence with free and confidential services in a variety of ways including but not limited to: counseling referrals, transportation, employment, education, basic needs and life skills support. We support survivors of Domestic Violence by accompanying survivors to court, assisting with Orders of Protection and creating safety plans.
Macoupin County Safe Families is located within the Macoupin County Public Health Department’s Oakland Avenue Clinic located at 205 Oakland Ave, Carlinville, IL 62626. We are open 8:30am-4:30pm. You must call to schedule an appointment. If you need assistance, you can reach our 24-hotline number at (888) 259-6364. There will always be a domestic violence advocate available for assistance.
Domestic Violence is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. Domestic violence is a crime and punishable by law.
FAQ’s
How do I become a client of MCPHD’s Safe Families Program?
The first step in becoming a Safe Families client is meeting with our staff face-to-face to discuss your situation and other methods of safety. Then, we would have you sign a release of information, confidentiality forms and any referrals that are needed. Then, we would review your rights as a client and the service plan we generate. This process involves more than completing paperwork for an order of protection. If an emergency order of protection is needed, our staff will assist you with the paperwork during this time.
What relationship qualifies as domestic violence?
Illinois State Chapter 750 §60/103 states, “’Family or household members’ include spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepchildren and other persons related by blood or by present or prior marriage, persons who share or formerly shared a common dwelling, persons who have or allegedly have a child in common, persons who share or allegedly share a blood relationship through a child, persons who have or have had a dating or engagement relationship, persons with disabilities and their personal assistants, and caregivers as defined in Section 12-4.4a of the Criminal Code of 2012. For purposes of this paragraph, neither a casual acquaintanceship nor ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in business or social contexts shall be deemed to constitute a dating relationship. In the case of a high-risk adult with disabilities, “family or household members” includes any person who has the responsibility for a high-risk adult as a result of a family relationship or who has assumed responsibility for all or a portion of the care of a high-risk adult with disabilities voluntarily, or by express or implied contract, or by court order”.
How to determine what order you need?
Order of Protection- “Orders of Protection provide protection from being abused by a partner, family member, or household member” (Illinois Legal Aid Online).
Civil No Contact Order- A Civil No Contact Order protects victims of rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse from the abuser, and can also be used to protect the victim’s family” (Illinois Legal Aid Online).
Stalking No Contact Order- “A Stalking No Contact Order stops someone else from stalking someone. Stalking is any activity that makes someone fear for their safety or becomes distressed. This includes someone knowingly making threats over a period of time. It must happen more than once to be stalking” (Illinois Legal Aid Online).
How can I be prepared to file an order?
Obtain the respondent’s (offender’s) information including name, date of birth, and address. The Circuit Clerks office may not complete the filing without this information. Please call Safe Families with any questions regarding this policy.
If you wish to become a Safe Families client, please call our office at (888) 259-6364 to schedule an appointment.
You will appear in front of the judge the day you file your Emergency Order of Protection (EOP) unless you file after 12pm. If you file the EOP after 12pm, then you will appear in court the following day. We recommend scheduling a morning appointment to have plenty of time to complete the necessary EOP forms. The typical Courthouse schedule for EOPs to be heard in front of the Judge is Monday at 2:30pm and Tuesday-Thursday at 1:30pm. The times are subject to change due to trials, holidays, and staff availability. Please call the Macoupin County Courthouse for verified times at (217) 854-6101.
*Disclaimer- Safe Families advocates are not attorneys; they cannot give legal advice nor legal representation in court. The petitioner is responsible for all legal decisions and all documentation will be prepared by the petitioner. *
What happens during an Emergency Order of Protection?
What if I am not a client?
Listed below are entities that can provide Order of Protection, Stalking No Contact Orders, or Civil No Contact forms.
Macoupin County Courthouse – You can receive the forms and fill them out at the Courthouse. The Circuit Clerk or the States Attorney may answer questions. If you have further questions call the IL Court Help listed below.
Safe Families – You can receive the forms but will not be able to complete them at Safe Families unless you are a client, due to confidentiality.
Carlinville Public Library – You can complete the forms online in a user-friendly format. The Carlinville Public Library will have a printer you can access to print your completed forms.
Lead poisoning is the presence of too much lead in the body. It is the most common preventable pediatric health problem in the United States today. It is caused by exposure to lead that is either eaten or inhaled, in the form of dust. The body carries the lead in the blood to soft tissues and bones, where it can be stored for many days. Lead harms several organs, including the nervous system and kidneys.
Many things in our everyday lives put infants, children and adults in danger of lead poisoning. Lead-based paint was used in many homes built before 1978. The older the home, the more likely that windows, cupboards, doors, porches, and outdoor surfaces contain lead-based paint. Lead dust can come from repairing areas with lead paint, opening and closing windows, and through normal wear and tear of painted areas. Lead dust settles to the floor and gets on children’s hands and toys. It enters their bodies when they put their hands or toys into their mouth. For more information read the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Sources of Childhood Lead Poisoning. (link to www.idph.state.il.us/HealthWellness/leadfs_sources.pdf)
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
A lead poisoning has no obvious signs, therefore a child may seem healthy. Some children with lead poisoning do have the following symptoms: stomach aches, decreased appetite, hyperactivity, sleeping problems or irritability. Later symptoms may include vomiting, weight loss, dizziness and even convulsions. Lead poisoning can cause a number of serious health concerns including developmental disabilities.
When should my child be tested for lead poisoning?
Many children have blood lead tests as part of their regular care by a doctor or clinic. Some children may be required to have blood lead tests to enroll in daycare, head start, pre-school or kindergarten. These tests are important for children who live or spend time in older houses which may have lead paint.
Children should be tested for lead poisoning at one and two years of age or more often depending on their contact with sources of lead.
How Can I Determine if my Child Should be Tested?
Does the child now or in the recent past live in or often visit a house built before 1950 with peeling or chipping paint? This could include a day care, preschool, or home of a relative.
Does the child now or in the recent past live in or often visit a house built before1978 that had been remodeled within the last year?
Does the child have a brother or sister (or playmate) with lead poisoning?
Does the child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves lead?
Does the child’s family use any home remedies that may contain lead?
If you answered no to every question, this means your child is at LOW RISK for lead poisoning. If you answered yes or don’t know the answer to any of these questions, this means your child is at HIGH RISK for lead poisoning. The only way to know for sure is to have your child tested. Talk to your child’s doctor to arrange for a blood test. Show the doctor this questionnaire so he or she knows why your child is at risk.
How do I get my Child Tested for Lead Poisoning?
Ask your family doctor or Pediatrician to do a blood lead test on your child at 12 month and 24 months of age. Medicaid insurance will pay for the cost of the test if your child is enrolled. If you have private insurance, coverage may vary.
If the family doctor or Pediatrician does not perform blood lead tests in their office, he or she may refer you to a laboratory or the health department to have the blood lead test. Macoupin County Public Health Department screens children in the WIC Program at 12 and 24 months.
If the first blood lead test is done with a capillary sample (finger stick) and the analysis of the sample shows an elevated blood lead level, it will be very important for you to have your child tested with a venous blood sample to confirm the results. This can be done by contacting your doctor to receive an order to take your child to a hospital lab. The Health Department Lead Program Nurse will contact you to let you know that you need to do this.
Call Maple Street Clinic at (217) 839-1526 or Morgan Street Clinic at (217) 854-3692 if you have further questions about getting your child tested for lead poisoning.
What can I do to protect my child?
Wash your child’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often
Test the soil your child plays in
Make sure children eat healthy foods and snacks such as lean meat, chicken, turkey and fish, milk, low-fat cheese, yogurt, broccoli, collard and turnip greens, oranges or grapefruits, orange or grapefruit juice, potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. Low-fat milk and foods are best for children over the age of two.
Have your home checked for lead hazards
Keep floors, window sills and other surfaces dust and dirt free
Take off shoes when entering the house
Talk to your landlord about fixing peeling or chipping paint.
Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating.
Don’t use a power sander, open flame torch, heat gun above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, dry scraper, or sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
Use very cold tap water for drinking and cooking.
Learn how to remove lead-based paint safely.
What can I do to make a lead-safe home?
Certain housekeeping methods can reduce the amount of lead dust in your home. To learn about these methods read the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Housekeeping Tips to Reduce Lead Exposure.
Lead poisoning is the presence of too much lead in the body. It is the most common preventable pediatric health problem in the United States today. It is…
