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July 27, 2022

St. Louis County DPH Update

Substance Use Action Plan

Substance use continues to be a major public health crisis in St. Louis County. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in overdoses and deaths, and the easy availability of the illicit synthetic opioid fentanyl has made substance use even more deadly. 

There were 343 opioid-related deaths in St. Louis County in 2021, tying 2020 for a record number of deaths. Overdose deaths from all substances reached 490 in 2021, up from 455 the previous year. And fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin, was a factor in a majority of those deaths.

Also, DPH has documented a growing disparity in overdose deaths, with African-American males being far more likely to die of an overdose than other groups. 

This morning, County Executive Sam Page announced the release of DPH’s new Substance Use Action Plan, a comprehensive, broad-based strategy to combat substance use over the next two years and beyond. The plan has been created over several months’ time with the help of a number of trusted partners.

The plan aims to:

• Raise awareness about substance use, overdoses, and how our community is affected by them.
• Prevent opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders.
• Increase the availability of Narcan to rescue people during an overdose.
• Increase the number of people connected to treatment with a focus on high-risk populations.
• Enable people in recovery to access recovery services and supports that increase quality of life.

COVID-19 Antigen Testing Kits

Beginning Monday August 1^st, Saint Louis County DPH is offering free self-test antigen kits at our three clinic locations and participating library sites. Individuals will receive 4 kits or up to 6 kits per household.  All locations require an appointment. If you are experiencing symptoms, please  do not enter any of the health centers. Testing appointments can be made online at ReviveSTL.com. For library locations please call 314-994-3300. Kits will be available starting August 1st and while supplies last. 

March 30, 2022

St. Louis County COVID-19 Update

Adolescent Immunization Action Week

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health will observe Adolescent Immunization Action Week from April 4-8. This is the first year that Adolescent Immunization Action Week is being observed nationally. 

Adolescent Immunization Action Week is meant to be a call to action urging parents and healthcare providers to get adolescents up to date on recommended immunizations. Many things got put on hold due to the pandemic, including adolescent wellness visits and immunizations. It is important to protect adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases including meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and HPV-related cancers. In addition, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for adolescents and young adults. Parents should consult their child’s healthcare provider to learn more about the vaccines their adolescent may need. DPH offers pediatric services and immunizations at our three health centers; for more information, call 314-615-0600. For more information about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, visit ReviveSTL.com.

Adolescent Immunization Action Week is organized by UNITY, a non-profit organization that unites diverse groups around the imperative to protect against all vaccine-preventable diseases to support lifelong health. Find out more information about UNITY here.

COVID-19 Testing

Testing continues to be one of our most important tools in fighting COVID-19. Testing is an important prevention measure to protect yourself, your family and the community at large. Free drive-through COVID testing is available with or without appointments, at our three DPH health clinics located in Berkeley, Pine Lawn and Sunset Hills. For appointments and more information, visit ReviveSTL.com.