Substance Use Disorder

Returning panelists discuss new challenges in substance use care and how to advocate June, 2023

The fellows were joined by several returning key community advocates and providers for opioid use and abuse in the Cincinnati area. Chief of Police for Newtown Tom Synan reported on the need for growth of partnerships across disciplines, particularly the health care field, for continued change in policy legislation to save lives. The Harm Reduction Program within Hamilton County Public Health Director Shana Merrick, MSW, again joined the discussion, highlighting the need for caution with new, more powerful variations on opioids making their way into circulation. Ryan Dattilo, a senior property manager with 3CDC and peer support mentor who is also recovering from addiction regaled his journey into recovery. Katie Schmidt, MD from Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services also described the need for further advocacy and training for physicians and mental health providers.

regional service infrastructure highlights the efforts to assist the community during the opioid crisis June, 2021

As the opioid crisis takes new form (and formulations) during the COVID pandemic, expansion and evolution of efforts to assist those impacted by SUD have been developed and implemented in large part due to services such as the Harm Reduction Program within Hamilton County Public Health. Director Shana Merrick, MSW, and Senior Health Counselor Philip Graham, MPH, detailed a catalog of resources now available for those recovering from addiction, their families, friends, and community members. Ryan Dattilo, a peer support mentor who is also recovering from addiction and serves as a key community consultant, also returned to the panel to convey his own experiences. Dr. Kelly Crowe, biology professor from Mount St. Joseph University, again offered her expertise, highlighting the progress in research that is revealing further light on treatment modalities.

Resources:

*Text NARCAN to 22999 to have naloxone shipped to your home

*RecoveryConnections brings together counselors, peer support, those working through recovery and other community members in an online forum to strengthen supports and facilitate connection with services in Hamilton County.

*Relink.org also provides a platform for finding resources across a full continuum of care for addiction recovery, human trafficking, and incarceration reentry.

*The University of Cincinnati Center for Addiction Research has a weekly newsletter. Email Jen Rowe roweji@ucmail.uc.edu for an add, it’s open to community partners and is intended to foster collaboration.

*The Cincy Homeless Resource Map connects individuals and professionals to resources for those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in Cincinnati. Resources include Shelters, Housing, Meals, Groceries, Medical/Dental/Mental Health, Addiction Treatment, Financial, Educational, Jobs/Employment Skills, and Legal/Advocacy agencies. Agencies are listed by category with descriptions of services. In-app navigation will guide you to the agency selected. Phone numbers and bus routes are also provided. Available for Android and iPhone.

continuing the fight against the Opioid epidemic during the time of covid-19 June, 2020

This month, the guest panel from last year reconvened to update the group on strategies, successes and continued challenges in their respective field in fighting the opioid epidemic. The global pandemic has added a wrinkle in these efforts, as evidenced in recent overdose spikes and decreased access to treatment. Guest panel members again included Ryan Dattilo, a recovering addict who serves as a key community consultant and peer support mentor for those with addiction. Also returning was Tom Synan, Police Chief of the Village of Newtown, Ohio and member of the re-branded Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition. Dr. Kelly Crowe, biology professor from Mount St. Joseph University, revisited the need to stress addiction’s biological components to help curb stigma that persists among providers and the general public. Please note, some of the discussion involves content that may be sensitive to some viewers.

Addressing the Opioid epidemic as a peer support, first responder, biologist, & provider May, 2019

The group discussion this month explored the perceptions of addiction from various community perspectives, and how each can initiate actionable steps in their field in addressing the opioid epidemic in the Southwest Ohio region. Guest panel members included Ryan Dattilo, a recovering addict who now is an outspoken peer support and community advocate for those struggling with addiction. Tom Synan, Police Chief of the Village of Newtown, Ohio and member of the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition Steering Committee reported the work that still needs to be done to gain headway on the epidemic, and the people necessary to grow the Coalition’s impact. Dr. Kelly Hardin, biology professor from Mount St. Joseph University, described the physiology of addiction, and how we need to move the discussion beyond personal choice to more critical interventions in addressing the biological components. Please note, some of the discussion involves content that may be sensitive to some viewers.