Details of First Two Virtual Opioids Town Halls Announced; Events Are September 23 and 25

The Michigan Opioids Task Force and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have announced the details of the first two virtual opioids town halls.

Following are the participation details and links for the town halls:

• Northern Lower Michigan (previously the Gaylord Town Hall), Wednesday, Sept. 23, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
• Flint and Thumb Region (previously the Flint Town Hall) Friday, Sept. 25, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

During the events, state officials will seek to learn more about how the opioid epidemic has impacted different regions of the state. To ensure information gathered reflects the experience of the local communities, residents are asked to only participate in the virtual town hall for the area in which they reside.

“We encourage members of the community and stakeholders to participate in these virtual town halls,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “We need to hear how the opioid epidemic has impacted each region of the state so we can develop solutions that resonate with all Michiganders. Local input is critical to us being able to turn the tide on this public health crisis.”

At the town halls, MDHHS and the Michigan Opioids Task Force will share the 2020 strategy to turn the tide on the crisis, seek feedback from the public and host a Q-and-A about the crisis response. Information gathered during the 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.

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?

For more information about the state’s opioids response and available resources, visit Michigan.gov/opioids.