Blog

Call to Action Community Forums Begin

March 21, 2016
Over the next year, PreventionFIRST! (PF!) will provide small stipends to community groups or coalitions within Hamilton County who want to host a "Call to Action Community Forum" centered on opiate abuse prevention. PF! facilitates the Hamilton County Response to the Opioid Epidemic (ROE) Prevention Committee who are collaborating to carry out the forums.
 
Between now and next spring, PreventionFIRST! aims to host a total of 12 "Call to Action Community Forums" in communities throughout Hamilton County. Groups can apply for up to $500 to host and execute a forum. The application can be accessed through this link: http://www.prevention-first.org/media/Community%20Forum%20Application-FINAL.pdf 
 
A primary goal of the community forum strategy is that communities across Hamilton County are hearing the same message and that the take-away is some type of action. The forums provide an opportunity for communities to engage in dialogue with policymakers, health care providers, businesses, law enforcement and all members of the community. The discussion will focus on these key tenants:
  1. Prevention of opioid misuse
  2. Getting individuals the treatment they need for opiate addiction
  3. Reducing harm caused with the opioid epidemic
  4. Cutting the supply of opioids
A panel of local subject matter experts will be provided to each community that is awarded the opiate prevention community forum funding as well as a set agenda and ideas on how to promote the events and implement tangible calls to action in their neighborhoods. To date, the following communities in Hamilton County have applied for the funding to host the "Call to Action Community Forums" to make a difference and take action to prevent opiate abuse and its consequences:
  • Lockland (Scheduled forum date of April 21. Location & time TBA)
  • Madisonville (TBA)
  • Norwood (Completed November 2015)
  • Walnut Hills (TBA)
  • Wyoming (Completed March 2016)
  • Mt. Washington (Scheduled forum date of May 19. Location & time TBA)