In the last three years, we have become all too familiar with the term pandemic. However, even before the COVID-19 pandemic changed so many lives, communities have been deeply impacted by an epidemic of opioid abuse and misuse. This issue is closely linked with a distinct need for resources and awareness about mental/behavioral health.
On March 5th, 2022, during HCOP session 12, fifty-two (52) HCOP participants of all levels were able to learn and discuss with a panel of experts from the Omaha community during our 2021-2022 Virtual Opioid Abuse and Mental/Behavioral Health Panel. During the session, HCOP participants learned the ways in which mental health and opioid abuse often intertwine and engaged in discussions on what is currently being done - and what further work there is to do - to address these issues from a healthcare and public health perspective.
To end the session, students were able to share in breakout rooms led by panel members on any personal experiences or questions that they had on the topic of opioid abuse and/or mental/behavioral health, as well as brainstorming ways to affect change in the community.
Thank you to our panelists for openly sharing and discussing the topics with our students.
Carey Pomykata
Coalition Rx/Dillon’s House
Executive Director/Co-Founder
Dr. Donna Stewart, PhD
Douglas County Youth Center
Mental Health Services Manager
Gwyn Williams
Leadership Coach
National Trainer & Speaker