Perspective of a young organization in a rural community

Transcription

1 Perspective of a young organization in a rural community

2 Referenced Region LaSalle, Bureau & Putnam County Centrally located Starved Rock Region Illinois Valley ~%55 voted for Donald Trump in 2018 ~%55 voted for Obama in 2012 White, Working class 2018 LaSalle County 5th in state for Opioid overdose Limited resources for addiction Harm reduction is a foreign word

3 Challenges we face Limited support - How to engage a community where supporting drug users is not a priority; Limited resources -Nothing exists Limited MAT providers Hospitals overburdened (2 week wait list) Quality of care No treatment or recovery homes 60 miles Supply side tactics dominate - Stigma abounds - Small town media - Users shamed in local police reports Building trust and reaching the users

4 Harm Reduction is a foreign term or carries a negative connotation Find creative ways to change that Harm Reduction as an umbrella term (include 12-step,.BAC devices, Prevention Education) Educate on how it affects general public

5 Messaging Don t need to preach to the choir Overdose Reversal Kit vs Narcan/Nalaxone Help understand why it s important to save lives - CASA Humanize it - Highlight local families affected

6 A little bit about myself 2000 University of Illinois Engineering Grad Familiar face in a small town Local IT Consultant, Tech Director Large Family Bartender at popular family restaurant Started using heroin at 25 Hid Heroin/Opiate addiction for 14+ years Knew my voice could make a difference

7 White Middle America Poster Child

8 Evolution of Perfectly Flawed Attribute use to lack of fulfillment in career Pursuit of purpose started with writing to show we all have struggles Selling shirts Evolved to a 501c3 as of March of 2017 Focus on Kids, Individuals and Education Odd path to Harm Reduction - Search for non-12 step

9 First steps - Education Needed to build credibility from the user Give them a reason to support you Ex: Advocacy through action - Earth Day Allowed for support to build Show why it s important to care Educate on how it affects community Kids growing up traumatized, without guidance Weakened work force - ex: McD s Needles in streets, increased infectious disease Increased Crime

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12 Strategies that have work Rotary groups, Business Associations, Council Meetings, Adults/College Students - Safety & responsibility Youth Prevention - Alternates to Just Say No Social Media is your friend Help get message out Use it as a focus group Identify Public Opinion Don t engage ignorance, educate it Public wants to see success stories Book club, Engage Faith-based

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16 Understand Your Audience All areas are different Know what works & what doesn t Pick your battles - Where should your time be spent? Identify your respected allies and assets Local leaders who ve been affected, Local Media leaders, Funeral Homes, Mothers `(ex: Jail SI, coroner) Police carry a lot of weight - Need to be part of the solution Find ways to work with them Help educate them

17 Realities of Rural Communities Ignorance, shallow thinking Many don t have compassion for the user or think it will affect their family Most don t welcome change Word travels - Gossip -beauty salons and bar stools Everyone knows your business - drives users underground further Users lack trust to come forward for help Bars, Beauty parlors or Churches are the preferred social scene Alcohol, Gambling & Gaming are accepted addictions

18 Misc tips... Be open-minded and accepting of others opinions Don t close people out of the conversation Don t react to the ignorance Learn from it and try to understand Be respectful and use as opportunity to educate Inform of alternatives (recovery isn t just about meetings) Try to keep a level head Expect frustration - Find someone who you can blow off steam too Don t bite off more than you can chew/take time for yourself

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