Overall Goal:
The overall goal of this intervention is to reduce the number of fatal opioid overdoses within seven rural Appalachian counties in Southern Ohio: Athens, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Meigs, Pike, and Vinton County. These counties have been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis and have more than 19.9% of residents living in poverty.
What are we doing?
We will strive to achieve our overall goal by working collaboratively with our intervention counties and implementing our objectives. In addition to our objectives which will guide us, this project has three intervention strategies which include:
- Enhancing community mobilization efforts that are providing county-level support for the other components of the project.
- Implementing take-home naloxone training with the goal of distributing at least 1000 Narcan nasal spray kits to family members and friends of those who are dependent on opioids.
- Utilizing peer recovery supporters as an evidence-based treatment approach for families involved in the child welfare system.
These interventions seek to address issues related to overdoses while providing additional support and strengthening families. We focus on this population with an aim of reducing long-term trauma for families living with substance use concerns.
Dissemination Plan
Develop and Maintain a Dissemination Website
- New materials (seminars, trainings, webinars, and podcasts) will be posted monthly on this website and social media platforms to keep our audience aware of the partnership’s progress.
Promote the project at organizational meetings, symposia, and conferences
- Informational materials about the project will be given to interested audiences which may include child protection agencies, practitioners and researchers.
Create white papers and policy briefs at least twice a year
- These materials will reflect important findings and topics developed through the partnership. Peer-reviewed journal articles will be released on the subject of effective interventions for families struggling with substance use in the child welfare system.
Maintain close cooperation with key stakeholders in order to provide technical assistance
- Training and technical assistance regarding effective interventions to combat opioid-abuse will be given to local communities, social service agencies, and hospitals to sustain long-term prevention, intervention, and treatment programs.