On July 16, 2018, around 35 community members in Belpre gathered at the local Masonic lodge to share their experiences with each other and local journalists. The group included doctors, business people, volunteers, residents, and people in recovery who recognized how the crisis affects absolutely everyone in the community. While many of the attendees had not personally witnessed addiction, they wanted to increase their personal understanding of the crisis.
People discussed the financial and emotional cost to community services, particularly first responders, hospital emergency rooms, and social services. When thinking about solutions the community could take, they wanted to see an increase in early education techniques, not limited to substance use education, but focused on coping skills that could help children deal with trauma so they don’t turn to drugs. They also wanted to make information about recovery resources more available to people affected by addiction, for both substance users themselves and their families.
To continue reading stories, proposed solutions, and questions the community wants local media to explore, download the event report.