As part of our continuing efforts to help local officials address the ongoing opioid crisis in communities across the country, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has scheduled a series of virtual town halls in June to discuss various aspects of the local response. On each town hall, NACo members will be joined by national experts and county appointees of the National City-County Task Force on the Opioid Epidemic, which was jointly convened in March by NACo and the National League of Cities. You can view a comprehensive summary of the task force's first convening here.
Prevention and Education Opioid Town Hall: Thursday, June 9, 2:00 p.m. EDT
The first town hall will focus on prevention and education measures that local governments can take to lower the rates of drug use in their communities. On the call, NACo members will be joined by representatives from the American Medical Association and the National Association of City and County Health Officials to discuss effective prevention strategies.
Treatment Opioid Town Hall: Thursday, June 16, 2:00 p.m. EDT
The second virtual town hall will focus on the treatment of people addicted to opiates. NACo members will be joined by representatives from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors. The discussion will cover medication assisted treatment facilities and related approaches that have proven effective.
Public Safety Opioid Town Hall: Thursday, June 30, 2:00 p.m. EDT
The final virtual town hall will cover public safety and community wellness. Many local law enforcement departments across the country have reassessed their law enforcement approach to the use of heroin, but skepticism remains in regards to the effectiveness of this hands-off strategy. Representatives from the National District Attorneys Association and Major County Sheriffs’ Association will join to discuss public safety issues relating to the opioid crisis.
If you have questions or comments, please contact Hadi Sedigh at hsedigh@naco.org.
