UC seminar highlighted cross-agency cooperation in the fight against opioid addiction

The day’s schedule began with a presentation entitled “Unveiling the Epidemic: Historical Context and Scope” by Newtown, Ohio, Police Chief Tom Synan and Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus. Subsequent presentations were given by Assistant Commander Michael Davenport and Ohio National Guard Analyst Grant Armbruster; Hamilton County Office of Addiction Response Director Meagan Guthrie; Program Administrator Abigail Fritsch, QRT Navigator Sarah Coyne, QRT Officer Rod Housely and CPD Sergeant Jacob Hicks; Carol Mohamed (mother of Syraaj Mohamed, an overdose victim), Asst. Commander Michael Davenport and Task Force Officer Mark Bohan; and Manchak with Kelly Firesheets, PhD.

Data-driven strategies featured heavily in the day’s presentations, as Manchak notes that data is a primary tool for addressing the opioid crisis. “Overdose data from local EMS, ER and police records, and overdose death data from the coroner's office allows law enforcement to track trends in the drug supply,” she explains. “Knowing who is at risk for overdose – and even where these people may live or the neighborhoods that are more likely to have this happen – allows HC-OAR to target the highest-risk people and places, and provide them with education, resources, harm reduction and other services in order to bring that risk down.”  

In addition to seminar presentations inside TUC, presenters arranged for various resources to provide harm reduction and education materials. Vendors were on hand to distribute harm reduction supplies in TUC, while members of the Hamilton County Quick Response Team canvassed campus to share information with the UC community.

At the center of the event, though, remained the initial mission – educating future resource providers about the challenges faced by our region. And anonymous feedback submitted by students attending the seminar indicates that this population was indeed served by the event.

“One of the most important things I learned in this seminar was the power of collaboration between different industries and sectors,” reported one attendee. “I think this collaboration was not only impactful because of the taboo subject matter but it showcases how problems can be solved when people work together.”

“The seminar highlighted the importance of data collection for tracking progress, identifying service gaps, and establishing a comprehensive support system that includes harm reduction, treatment options, prevention programs and stigma reduction policies,” reported another attendee. “I now see the critical connections between public policy, health care and community engagement, and recognize the need for a unified approach to create change.”

“Navigating the Storm” was in a crucial step in the right direction toward creating change, educating students and community members on resources available in the battle against opioid addiction in our region. The day’s event was a reminder that, with lives within our community on the line, it’s critically important that individuals and agencies work together to end the addiction epidemic.