In The News
Learn how StepsOfHopeIowa.org is helping to make a difference in our community.
Latest News
KCCI News
CommUNITY Champion leads effort to prevent Iowans from overdosing after losing her son in 2020
Ann Breeding lost her son, Daniel Bailey, in November of 2020. Every year since, Breeding hosts a walk on his birthday with her organization, Steps of Hope Iowa.
Polk County Board Of Supervisors
Polk County Approves Grant Funds to Combat Opioid Overdoses
Polk County Opioid Settlement Funds Harm Reduction Award
As a result of national litigation surrounding pharmaceutical and related companies, Polk County is receiving opioid settlement funds to address the harms of opioid use in our community. In accordance with the National Opioid Settlements, Polk County is allowed to allocate funds for projects related to prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. Polk County’s vision for opioid settlement funds is to invest in high-need areas with the greatest impact on people with lived experience in a transparent, intentional, and sustainable manner.
Prarie Meadows Community Betterment Grant
Steps of Hope Iowa Named Recipient of Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant
The Steps of Hope Iowa family is incredibly excited to share some fabulous, life-saving news with you all! In case you have not already heard – a HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Prairie Meadows for generously awarding Steps of Hope Iowa with a $10,000 Community Betterment Grant!! Their generosity is in support of the Steps of Hope Iowa Naloxone Box Project. These funds will speed up the process of placing naloxone boxes in more Iowa counties, along with life-saving medication access for all at no cost! This crucial funding will significantly enhance our efforts to increase access to life-saving naloxone and make a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you again, Prairie Meadows, for your commitment to community well-being and for helping us advance this important initiative. Your act of kindness brings HOPE to all Iowans!! The entire Steps of Hope Iowa community is very grateful for you and for your role in saving lives!
Press Release
In partnership with Steps of Hope Iowa and EFR, Graham Construction Company Announces Implementation of Narcan on All Job Sites to Enhance Workplace Safety
Des Moines, Iowa – 9/13/24 – Graham Construction Company, a leading company in construction, proudly announces a new initiative to enhance workplace safety by making Narcan (naloxone) available on all job sites. This proactive measure aims to address the growing opioid crisis and ensure the health and well-being of employees, contractors, and visitors.
In response to the alarming rise in opioid overdoses across the country, Graham Construction Company recognizes the critical importance of immediate access to life-saving interventions. Narcan, an FDA-approved medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, will now be readily accessible at every job site operated by the company.
Key Elements of the Initiative:
- Narcan Accessibility: Narcan kits will be strategically placed at all job sites, ensuring quick and easy access in case of an emergency.
- Employee Training: All employees will undergo comprehensive training on how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer Narcan effectively. This training will be part of the company’s regular safety protocols.
- Ongoing Support and Education: Graham Construction Company is committed to providing continuous support and education about opioid misuse, overdose prevention, and the proper use of Narcan to all employees and contractors.
- Partnerships with Health Organizations: The company will collaborate with Steps of Hope Iowa, local health organizations and emergency services to enhance its response capabilities and ensure seamless coordination in the event of an overdose.
Quote from the CEO: “Our top priority at Graham Construction is the safety and well-being of our team members. By placing Narcan on all job sites, we are taking a crucial step to protect our employees and the community from the devastating effects of opioid overdoses,” said Steve Hauschilt, CEO of Graham Construction. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a safer work environment and our dedication to being a caring, responsible corporate citizen.”
Background on the Opioid Crisis: The opioid crisis continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids were involved in nearly 70% of all drug overdose deaths in 2020. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, has been proven to save lives by reversing the effects of opioid overdoses when administered promptly.
About Graham Construction Company : Graham Construction Company is a leader in construction, dedicated to providing high-quality services and products to its clients. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and community well-being, Graham Construction Company continuously strives to set the standard for excellence in the industry.
For more information about Graham Construction Company and its safety initiatives, please visit https://grahamconstruction.com/.
After having lost a child to drug poisoning, Steps of Hope has been a community of spiritual and emotional support. The annual walk has been an outlet for healing and has allowed me to share my thoughts and feelings without shame as I meet other people who understand what our family is going through.
Steps of Hope Iowa has saved my life. Physically, spiritually, and mentally. After losing my son in February 2022 to fentanyl poisoning, I had settled with the idea that there was no one that could possibly understand my pain. Thanks to Steps of Hope Iowa, I have learned that I am not alone and there are others out there that know what it’s like to lose a child to substance use disorder. Being able to share my story without feeling stigma or shame allows me to have a sense of healing and hope.
You shouldn’t have to walk this path alone
Watching the life of someone you love unravel before your eyes can be a heart-wrenching experience that causes pain, confusion, and fear. Here at Steps Of Hope Iowa, we want you to know that you shouldn’t have to and don’t need to walk through your journey alone. As a community, we are here to be a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk to, and, when possible, lend a helping hand. On this page, you will find the resources that helped me and my family as I dealt with my son’s struggle with Substance Use Disorder.
3 Steps To Finding Hope
1
Take your first step.
Sign up and join our community. Fill out this simple form and get information and updates for our local gatherings and events.
2
Walk with us.
Get the support and resources you need as you make new friends and find ears to listen, a shoulder to cry on, to help you no longer feel alone.
3
Find hope.
Be an agent of change and help others, and you’ll also discover hope and healing for yourself.