'United Against Opioid Abuse' Initiative

UWMC Launching 'United Against Opioid Abuse' Initiative
AmeriCorps Member Sought to Support Community Coordination Efforts
Peru, IN -- United Way of Miami County is participating in United Against Opioid Abuse, a statewide effort to gather information about each community’s resources and needs to prevent opioid abuse and to support those in recovery. The United Way will host a specially trained AmeriCorps member who will coordinate a local landscape scan about the extent of the opioid issue locally, and help document what efforts are currently in place to combat the problem. Results will include a local asset map that will assist local anti-drug coalitions prioritize needed areas for collaboration or highlight needs for additional programs and services.
“United Way of Miami County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every individual in the community,” said Executive Director Debi Wallick. “In our Community Conversations with people across all walks of life, we’re hearing that the opioid issue is a major concern. We wanted to get involved to mobilize the community to help our neighbors whose lives are affected by this very difficult problem.”
Indiana deaths due to opioid overdose and poisoning now outnumber deaths from car accidents. As of 2014, Indiana became 15th nationwide for drug overdose fatalities, according to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. United Against Opioid Abuse is a three-year Federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service under a new opportunity, Healthy Futures: Reducing and/or Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse. The statewide project is administered by Indiana United Ways with support from Serve Indiana, a division of the Department of Workforce Development.
United Way of Miami County is seeking applicants for persons with the skills and interest to serve the community for a year in AmeriCorps, a branch of National Service. AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, a Segal Education Award, and other benefits. Extensive professional development is provided. United Way of Miami County will continue to support existing coalitions Reducing and/or Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse. Please contact Debi Wallick at debiw@uwmiamip.org or 765-473-4240 for additional information.