The Opioid Epidemic: How Can My Library Help?
Friday, March 23, 2018, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 114
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, of the 64,000 drug overdose deaths estimated in 2016, the sharpest increase occurred among deaths related to fentanyl and synthetic opioids, with over 20,000 overdose deaths. Every community is affected by this epidemic. Libraries are addressing this crisis through education, collaboration, and even first response. A panel of library workers in various roles will share ideas, resources, and specific actions for libraries supporting their communities in crisis.
At the end of this session, participants will:
1: Recognize the various responses to the national opioid crisis implemented by public libraries 2: Determine best practices in interacting with patrons in crisis and direct intervention in overdose situations 3: Gain strategies for working with community agencies and partners in addressing opioid abuse
The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 2: People with some knowledge, who want to increase their understanding.
This session will have: Medium interaction (example: single speaker/panel with questions or discussion throughout)
Track: Lead
Tags: Leadership, Hot Topics, Leadership, Outreach Services, Social Change, Transforming Libraries, Trends and Forecasting
Presenters
Travis Bautz, Director
MidPointe Library System , Middletown , OH
Travis has worked in libraries (academic and public) for over 20 years, including head librarian at Greene County Public Library and director of the Wright Memorial Public Library in Oakwood, Ohio. Ohio's opioid deaths per capita are the third highest in the country, and Butler County is the third highest in the state. Last June, Middletown had already tallied 600 opioid overdoses, which is more than it saw in all of 2016.
Elissa Hardy, LCSW, Community Resource Manager
Denver Public Library , Denver , CO
Elissa Hardy, LCSW is the Community Resource Manager at Denver Public Library and oversees the social work department which includes one other social worker and 4 peer navigators. She provides training to library staff, collaborates with community partners and the team supports customers experiencing life challenges. She also teaches courses on Policy, Mental Health, Substance Use, Trauma and Recovery at the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver.
Tamara King, Community Relations Director
Richland Library , Columbia , SC
Tamara King is the Community Relations Director for Richland Library. In her role, she is tasked with developing, directing and implementing communications strategies to key stakeholders and audiences of Richland Library. Tamara also supervises the Office of Development, which supports the Richland Library Friends and Foundation along with the library volunteer program. She has nearly two decades of experience in broadcast television, public relations, marketing, strategic communications, media and crisis communication training and program management.
Chera Kowalski
Free Library of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA
Chera Kowalski and Judith Moore, from the McPherson Square Library of the Free Library of Philadelphia, were featured on national media in 2017 due to their direct intervention with Narcan on overdose victims who frequent the park in front of the library building.
Michelle Jeske, City Librarian
Denver Public Library , Denver , CO
Michelle is the Denver City Librarian. She has served in different positions at Denver Public Library including director of Collections, Technology and Innovation and manager of Web Information Services and the Community Technology Center. Prior to the Denver Public Library, Jeske worked for the TCL CARL Corporation, San Antonio Public Library and New York Public Library. Her honors include Public Library Association Leadership Fellow, Colorado Librarian of the Year and Library Journal Mover and Shaker.