About

RCC (Rural Communities Coalition) is a 501c3 not-for-profit created to support harm reduction in the areas of health and wellness in Barton, Jasper, Vernon, Cedar and Dade Counties in Missouri.

RCC started in Lamar, MO with AOK more than 20 years ago.

RCC started in Lamar, MO with AOK more than 20 years ago. As AOK grew, they noticed they also needed to address more and more complex community needs.

From that, we began partnering with people and companies in healthcare, education, substance abuse, behavioral health, the Church, and law enforcement. Then we branched out from Barton County to Jasper, Vernon, Cedar, and Dade counties.

This website serves as a resource hub for those in need in Southwest Missouri.

FAQs

Opioids include three categories of pain-relieving drugs:

  1. Natural opioids which are derived from the opium poppy, such as morphine and codeine.
  2. Semi-synthetic opioids such as prescription drugshydrocodone and oxycodone and the illicit drug heroin.
  3. Synthetic opioids, such as methadone, tramadol, and fentanyl.

Prescription opioids, when used long term or incorrectly can cause the brain to become reliant on the drug and are addictive.

Here are some quick tips for opioid safety, from The Hospital for Special Surgery

  1. Take opioids only as directed. Try to take the lowest dose you need for the shortest amount of time while still keeping yourself comfortable.
  2. Do not combine opioids with alcohol, sleep aids, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, or others), or other controlled substances. Combining opioids with these medications can slow or stop breathing.
  3. Contact your medical care team if you have side effects. Side effects to look out for include: dizziness, constipation, nausea & vomiting, and difficulty urinating. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while using opioids.
  4. You will eventually need to slowly reduce and stop taking opioids. This is a process called tapering. For more on tapering, view the video included in this section.
  5. Store and dispose of opioids safely to protect your family, friends, pets, and other household visitors. Do not share your prescription with others.

Prescription opioids can cause physical dependence when used as directed or addiction if misused; illegal opioids such as heroin are also highly addictive. People who regularly use prescription opioids or heroin often develop tolerance, which means that they need higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effects.

NARCAN (also known as naloxone) is a drug that can temporarily stop many of the life-threatening effects of overdoses from opioids. NARCAN can help restore breathing and reverse the sedation and unconsciousness that are common during and opioid overdose.

AOK offers free NARCAN at their headquarters. Just come in and take what you need, no questions asked.

AOK HQ

208A West 10th St.
Lamar, MO 64759

Call or text anytime, 24/7 at: (417) 682-6002

Refer to the videos included here.

Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril, until your fingers on either side of the nozzle area gainst the bottom of the person’s nose. Press the plunger to give a dose of NARCAN Nasal Spray. Remove the NARCAN Nasal Spray from the nostril after giving the dose.

From SAMHSA:

  • Their face is extremely pale and/or feels clammy to the touch
  • Their body goes limp
  • Their fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color
  • They start vomiting or making gurgling noises
  • They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak
  • Their breathing or heartbeat slows or stops

  • Identify overdose and call 911 immediately
  • Administer NARCAN Nasal Spray
  • Evaluate and Provide Support
  • If within 2–3 minutes the patient does not wake up, respond to voice or touch, or breathe normally, use a new NARCAN Nasal Spray to give another dose.

Ozark Center/New Directions

307 W. 11th St.
Lamar, MO 64759

Reach out to or visit these resources. (They may be different in your area.)

Cox Barton County Hospital

29 NW First Ln
Lamar, MO 64759 (Directions)

Phone: (417) 681-5100

Dial 911 or proceeded to the nearest emergency room if safe to do so.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

This is a crisis hotline that can help with many issues, not just suicide.

For example, anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal; family and friends who are concerned about a loved one; or anyone interested in mental health treatment referrals can call the Lifeline.

Callers are connected with a professional nearby who will talk with them about what they are feeling or concerns for other family and friends.

Call the toll-free lifeline, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Or chat online with crisis centers around the United States at crisischat.org.

Crisis Text Line

Available 24/7, 365 days a year, this organization helps people with mental health challenges by connecting callers with trained crisis volunteers who will provide confidential advice, support, and referrals if needed.

Text "MHFA" to 741741.

The Trevor Project

Trained counselors available 24/7 to support youth who are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk. Specializing in supporting the LGBTQI+ community.

Call (866) 488-7386 or text “START” to 678678. Visit thetrevorproject.org to learn more.

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Call 1 (800) 985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Visit their website to learn more.

Barton County
Ozark Center/New Directions

307 W. 11th St.
Lamar, MO 64759 (Directions)

Phone: (417) 681-0552

Avenues of Mental Health

1301 East 12th Street
Lamar, MO, 64759 (Directions)

Contact Nancy Jamerson at avenuesofmh@gmail.com.

National Resources
The National Council for Behavioral Health

Search for organizations that are committed to providing mental health services to anyone in the community who needs it—regardless of their ability to pay.

Search for providers here.

SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information on mental health services and treatment centers through an online service locator.

You can search by your location, whether or not they provide services for youth, payment options (private insurance, cash, or something else), languages spoken, etc.

Search for providers here.

About the app

P3 is a tip management system allowing the public to submit secure and anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers programs and law enforcement agencies with complete confidence.

What should I report on this app?

Acts or threats of terrorism, substance abuse, domestic violence, bullying, crisis intervention, and other criminal acts.

Download the P3 app

Coalition Members

Jerod Morey

About Our Kids, Inc

Zach Morey

About Our Kids, Inc

James Nichols

Barton County

Erick Burton

Burton Leadership Center

Bryan Tabakian

CHIPS Church

Steve Miller

Community Partnership of the Ozarks

Rebekah Oehring

Compass Health Network

Amy Neher

Cox Barton County Memorial Hospital

Christopher Wyatt

Cox Barton County Memorial Hospital

Mary Miller

Davis Insurance Agency

Melody Metzger

Lamar Democrat

Heidi Johnson

Lamar Parks & Recreation Department

Rusty Rives

Lamar Police Department

Robert Lawrence

Lamar Police Department

Lori Cable

TIER, LLC