2024 - Honorable Mention for Exemplary Contingency Planning and Emergency Response Efforts

Substance misuse is an ongoing public health crisis in the United States; an estimated 20 million people have a substance use disorder related to alcohol or illicit drugs. As part of the National Opioid Settlement, Dubuque County appointed a Public Health Project Coordinator to oversee community response efforts regarding special public health projects, starting with opioid response. In December 2023, all staff members of the Dubuque County Election Office underwent NARCAN training. In preparation for the November general election, the Dubuque County Elections Office collaborated with the local Health Department to provide NARCAN training to the head election chair of each precinct. Prior to commencing election training for the general election, each chair was instructed on how to administer NARCAN, and every precinct was supplied with a box of NARCAN Nasal Spray for use on Election Day. These are lifesaving skills that can be taken with them beyond Election Day. With the anticipated high turnout and long lines, it is valuable to be aware of the large crowds and different medical emergencies that may arise.