Prevent First Time Use and Misuse through Education

Return to Opioid Top-Level Strategy Map 

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SWITCHING TO "Activating Your Community

Background

There are many barriers that prevent and limit the efforts of communities to address drug misuse and substance use disorder.  The topic is uncomfortabe for many, and stigma exists at the community, famiy, and individual level.  Often there is a lack of leadership and champions who are willing to make improving local response a top priority.  Leadership is needed among multiple leaders - from elected and health officials, public safety entities, and community leaders already working along the continuum of care.  In addition, these leaders need to effectively coordinate their efforts.

Public education and awareness is also essential to activating a local community.  Residents need to know the unvarnished reality of what is taking place.  They need to what the problem is, and what needs to be done to improve the local response and save lives.  In addition to be educated, local residents also need to be involved in the the process.  The people are the community, and many have first-hand experience with durg misuse and SUD.  Many others have lived experience with family and friends who are struggling with these issues, and their input and participation is needed to create a comprehsive and effective response.

 

 

Solutions and Tools focused on this objective.