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Key Issues
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Gun Violence
With regard to gun violence, we tend to focus, rightfully so, on homicides—the most serious act of violence. But in Jackson County, from New Year’s Day 2017 through New Year’s Eve 2022, there were 3,061 non-fatal shootings—shootings in which someone was shot but survived. COMBAT funding is crucial to providing services to these “bullet-to-skin” survivors that are available in most other communities in the United States.
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The Opioid Crisis
Every day, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
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» Fentanyl: Get The Facts
Get the facts about fentanyl, the synthetic opioid largely responsible for the surge of overdose deaths in the United States.
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Bullying
Bullying can have life-long and life-threatening impacts. How can we address cyberbullying, deal with the effects of bullying, recognize the signs of bullying, and prevent bullying?
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Child Abuse
COMBAT-funded Child Abuse programs offer a variety of services, including conducting forensic interviews with abuse victims, helping individuals who've aged out of Foster Care adjust, and removing children from homes in which substance use is taking place.
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Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is unfortunately a prevalent and persistent issue in society. Therefore, COMBAT supports a wide-range of programs with a Domestic Violence focus. Those in crisis can call the National Hotline 800-799-7233 or one of several local hotlines.
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Legalized Marijuana
Marijuana is now legal for both recreational and medical use in Missouri. But that doesn't necessary marijuana use is safe. Know the law about impaired driving—driving high is illegal. And keep your marijuana away from kids and pets.
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Suicide Prevention
Worried that someone you know or love might be having suicidal thoughts? Ask them—with empathy and compassion. Avoid just hinting around—this could be a matter of life or death. Create a safe place to ask, “Are you thinking about taking your own life?” And be prepared to follow up if the response is “yes,” “no” or unclear.
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Tips Save Lives
CRIME TIPS SAVE LIVES! Tips are essentially to solving crimes. The information you provide by calling or using an online app could save lives and take a dangerous criminal off the streets. The person you save could be someone you know or love.
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