VALPARAISO – United Way of Porter County is hosting the United Against Opioid Abuse program on July 19, where it will share a progress report on its efforts to find solutions to the county's opioid problem.
There will be two presentations: 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The free program will be at the United Way of Porter County office, 951 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso. Reservations are required; email cara@unitedwaypc.org to reserve a spot.
Cara Jones, program coordinator, will present the progress report’s findings on the Porter County opioid crisis and the next steps in the process.
Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. From 2015 to 2017, Porter County saw nearly an 80 percent rise in opioid related deaths and 191 percent increase in heroin specific deaths.
Opioid abuse is a problem across the state. Research from Indiana University shows opioid overdose deaths in the state have risen by more than 500 percent the past 15 years.
The United Against Opioid Abuse initiative is examining the issues facing addicts and their families, the resources available, and how to engage the community in finding solutions.
Jones has been gathering information on a national, state and local level to evaluate the Porter County opioid abuse landscape. She’s working with community partners, coalitions and stakeholders to gather data, map existing resources and services, identify service gaps and create long-term collaborations to address the opioid crisis.
Jones is one of nine AmeriCorps members in Indiana working with United Way to help communities address the opioid crisis.
The Porter County United Against Opioid Abuse presentation will last about an hour with a question and answer session to follow. A copy of the report will be available at unitedwaypc.org after the event.
