How Communities Can Fight Back Against the Opioid Crisis
Tips on handling of the Opioid Crisis
We hear it on the news constantly. The number of opioid-use cases is on the rise. We can attribute this drastic incline to over-prescribed medication, heroin, and drugs such as fentanyl. It's an addiction many individuals may struggle to overcome. However, there are so many things that we can do to assist those in need and help to tackle the issue at hand.
Many states are experiencing extremely high rates of opioid-use related deaths. Some of the highest states, such as West Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan, see opioid-use rates as high as 35 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
Now is the time to take action to assist those in need. There are several things you can do to make a difference.
Taking Part
Many community groups seek volunteers to assist with their day-to-day activities. For non-profit organizations, volunteers are practically the livelihood of these organizations. Without volunteers, many non-profits across the country would not be able to assist the communities in which they serve. This is why these types of organizations are constantly seeking help from those who live within the area. If you have the time, consider volunteering your assistance! Help needed ranges from manual tasks, to sorting and delivering supplies and tools to those who are in need.
Donating
There are so many organizations that can use donations. Without the help of community members, volunteers, and active members, some charities are unable to function. Consider setting aside a small amount of cash each week or month. Use these spare funds to allocate to different organizations within your community who strive to make a difference. With your assistance, these organizations can properly function and allocate resources to assist at-risk individuals in your community.
Become an Advocate
Whether or not you have first-hand experience dealing with some type of addiction, you can still make a positive change. Advocate for positive measures and enforcements implemented that assist with making our communities drug-free. Several youth organizations and charities have been developed over the years to assist with helping to keep our streets safer. Becoming involved with these types of developments can make a positive impact on our society.
Consider spending time educating others of the dangers of opioid-use. Discussing your knowledge with others, and sharing stories and personal accounts can help to educate communities and bring them together. Consider taking a stance against opioid-use today. What can you do to help your community?