Substance Use & Misuse

Tobacco use and substance misuse remain pressing concerns in our community, especially among youth. While many residents support policies that limit tobacco use in public spaces, enforcement can be inconsistent, particularly with vaping. Schools are making strong efforts through education and staff training, but they are often not fully equipped with the supports needed to respond effectively when students are under the influence. Long wait times for treatment and a shortage of trained providers make it difficult for families to access timely care. As a community, we envision a future where prevention is prioritized, schools have the training needed and a clear understanding of available community resources, and strong, reliable connections exist between schools and service providers. Achieving this will require a shared commitment to treating substance use as a health issue and investing in the systems and services that support long-term recovery and well-being.

Demographic Profile

% of population smoking cigarettes

CHNA, pg 5/32

clinical care availability

1 to 2,460

physician to resident ratio

Compared to one for every 1,280 in Kansas and 1,330 in the US. (Robert Wood Johnson, 2024), CHNA, pg 5/32

Access to Mental Health Care

1 to 600

provider to resident ratio

There is one mental health care provider for every 600 residents (compared to one for every 420 in Kansas and 320 in the US) (Robert Wood Johnson, 2024) CHNA, pg 5/32

Mental Health Concern

18.3%

listed "mental health" as a concern

18.3% of respondents listed “mental health” as a health concern CHNA, pg 12/39

Initiatives

Goal 1: Make substance use treatment and recovery services easier to access.

Objective 1.1: Increase the types of treatment options available for patients with substance use disorder in the community.

Strategy 1: Increase the availability of inpatient care for patients with a dual diagnosis
Strategy 2: Increase awareness of existing providers who treat patients with a dual diagnosis
Strategy 3: Increase the number of mental health providers who treat substance use disorders, including alcohol and tobacco
Strategy 4: Identify programs and/or services that might benefit from local county/city settlement funds.

Goal 2: Strengthen community support for people in recovery.

Objective 2.1: Increase access to substance use treatment and recovery services.

Strategy 1: Advocate for opportunities to provide funding and for care for uninsured
Strategy 2: Increase voluntary participation in SUD treatment and supportive recovery activities
Strategy 3: Conduct community-level and/or organization-level activities to address stigma around SUD.

Objective 2.2: Identify and reduce the demand and supply of illicit substances in Cowley County

Strategy 1: Build stronger collaboration with with law enforcement to support strategies to reduce access to illicit substances

Goal 3: Increase substance use prevention efforts in schools.

Objective 3.1: Increase the amount of substance use prevention interventions in schools in Cowley County.

Strategy 1: Strengthen partnerships between schools and community-based organizations to create coordinated responses for students struggling with substance use.
Strategy 2: Expand SUD prevention training for school staff

Who Took the Survey?

The community perception survey captured insights from a diverse group of Cowley County residents, offering a valuable snapshot of the people who live, work, and raise families here. While not a perfect reflection of the county's full population, the responses highlight important trends in age, gender, race and ethnicity, and where people live. Explore the visuals below to learn more about who shared their voice.