The Michigan Opioids Task Force and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are hosting a town hall Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road.
MDHHS and the Michigan Opioids Task Force will share its strategy to address the opioids crisis, seek information about how the opioid epidemic has impacted those in attendance, and host a Q&A about the crisis response. The event is being co-hosted by the City of Sterling Heights.
Information gathered during this event and other town halls will help the state develop a crisis response that is flexible; effective to fit the needs of communities from Detroit to Grand Rapids to Marquette; and informed by the experiences of Michiganders affected by the crisis. About 150 people attended a similar town hall in Detroit in January.
"The opioid epidemic has impacted every community in our state," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. "We received valuable information at the January town hall, and we look forward to engaging with community members and stakeholders throughout the state as we host additional events."
A few key questions will guide the conversation:
-How has the opioid epidemic affected you, your family or your community?
-What services, programs or policies would you recommend to help address the crisis?
-How can the state help combat stigma and change the narrative around opioid use disorder?
Additional town halls are being hosted in the following areas of the state:
Gaylord on Friday, July 24.
Escanaba on Wednesday, July 29.
Flint on Friday, Sept. 25.
Grand Rapids on Friday, Nov. 6.
For additional information about the state's opioids response and available resources, visit Michigan.gov/opioids. Anyone who would like to provide feedback to the questions above in writing can send them to MDHHS-OpioidsTaskForce@michigan.gov.
Published: Mon, Feb 24, 2020
