Idaho
Panel discusses fentanyl use in North Idaho
COEUR d’ALENE — A panel of medical professionals addressed community concerns about the rise of fentanyl use in North Idaho on Thursday.
About 50 people attended to listen to a discussion of “The Escalating Threat of Fentanyl in North Idaho” at North Idaho College, which was put on by the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, NIC and Kootenai Health.
While the law enforcement side of the battle against fentanyl was discussed during a similar panel in May, Thursday’s panel focused on the impact of fentanyl being seen in North Idaho’s schools and by local medical specialists.
Debbie Critchfield, the superintendent of public instruction in Idaho, described how fentanyl is “the No. 1 issue” many schools in rural Idaho are facing — but many parents still argue that fentanyl isn’t prevalent in the area.
“We have to have our parents, our community on board,” said Critchfield. Currently, Critchfield’s office is conducting a survey in communities across the state to better assess what is needed to combat fentanyl in Idaho schools.
An agreement has also been reached with Idaho State Police to hold informational events in school districts and communities that request them.
“We can’t expect student behavior to change unless we change the behavior of the adults,” said Critchfield. So far, three Idaho school districts have requested such events.
The medical professional panelists described observing a similar “crisis level” situation in their practices.
Dr. Ben Milam, an addiction medicine doctor with Kootenai Health, described how “100% of patients” that he sees are struggling with fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is basically the only thing available on the street,” said Milam. “Drugs are not what they used to be. They’re much more dangerous.”
Milam also pointed out that there is no specific demographic with higher rates of fentanyl addiction.
“Fentanyl is indiscriminate of age, sex, gender, social class … it’s everywhere,” Milam said.
The panelists also highlighted the importance of Narcan, an over-the-counter drug that can reverse an overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the body. Dr. Kate Aguirre, a family medicine provider at Marimn Health, emphasized that administering Narcan to an unconscious person could save their life.
“If they’re not using, it’s not going to hurt them. If they are using, it could save their life,” Aguirre said.
Multiple Narcan vending machines can be found throughout Kootenai County — there is also one located in Shoshone County.
Dave Atkins, the chief behavioral health officer for Heritage Health, said “people, place, and purpose” are key protective factors for those fighting addiction.
“We’re social creatures — we need connection,” Atkins said.
Some community members also shared their stories of losing loved ones to fentanyl use.
“It’s real, and no one is exempt from it,” one woman said.
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.
RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds
President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.
RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”
Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”
“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.
However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.
Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.
Idaho News 6
“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.
According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.
The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.
One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:
“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”
There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.
Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.
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