Where are we? And where do we go from here? Those are questions that will be addressed during a community forum tonight in Over the Rhine on the heroin epidemic.
The number of overdose deaths so far this year in Hamilton County have already surpassed the total for all of last year. Organizers say the discussion tonight will include "on-going prevention efforts, stories of recovery, notable and local people/organizations who are working towards a solution and what YOU can do as a citizen". First responders, health experts, community leaders and recovering addicts will be part of the forum at People's Liberty from 6-8pm.
One of the messages to be communicated tonight is that there are local programs that are producing positive movement in the fight. One of those projects is titled "Not Even Once" an educational program at Oyler School in Lower Price Hill. The education program is funded by a grant from People's Liberty and offers HOPE (Health and Opiod Prevention Education) to middle school students. Oyler was chosen for the pilot program because the neighborhood surrounding the school has one of the highest overdose rates in the city.