OPINION

Opioid crisis is claiming lives in Columbus. Information at free community forum tonight

Belinda M. Paschal
The Columbus Dispatch

Few can deny that the opioid crisis is a scourge that has claimed far too many lives.

More than 5,000 Ohioans died of drug overdoses in 2020, according to a Dispatch analysis of mortality data from the Ohio Department of Health. Of that number, almost 800 people who lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2020 were Franklin County residents, state data shows. 

'Every death is a heartache:' More than 5,000 Ohioans died of a drug overdose in 2020

Solutions for individuals, family members and the community as a whole will discuss during Dispatch presents Columbus Conversations: "What is the state of the opioid crisis in our community?" 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31.

More:We resuscitate someone 'literally dying from a drug overdose' in lobby monthly| Opinion

The free event on International Overdose Awareness Day will be held at the Fawcett Center on The Ohio State Campus Conference Theater, 2400 Olentangy River Road.

Who are the panelists?

Panelists for "Columbus Conversations presents: What is the state of the opioid crisis in our community?" are: (top, left to right): Matt Parrish, Captain, Columbus Division of Fire; Andrea Boxill, administrator, Alcohol and Drug Services, Columbus Public Health; Dr. Erin McKnight, medical director, Medication Assisted Treatment for Addiction Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital; Dr. Emily Kauffman, emergency medicine physician, OSU Wexner Medical Center East; (bottom, left to right): Juliet Dorris-Williams, executive director, The P.E.E.R. Center; Dr. Krisanna Deppen, program director, OhioHealth Grant Addiction Medicine Fellowship; Erika Clark Jones, CEO, ADAMH Franklin County; Brian Pierson, vice president, Community Health and Well-being, Mount Carmel Health System
  • Erika Clark Jones, CEO, ADAMH Franklin County
  • Dr. Krisanna Deppen, program director, OhioHealth Grant Addiction Medicine Fellowship
  • Brian Pierson, vice president, Community Health and Well-being, Mount Carmel Health System
  • Dr. Erin McKnight, medical director, Medication Assisted Treatment for Addiction Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital
  • Matt Parrish, Captain, Columbus Division of Fire
  • Dr. Emily Kauffman, emergency medicine physician, OSU Wexner Medical Center East
  • Juliet Dorris-Williams, executive director, The P.E.E.R. Center
  • Andrea Boxill, administrator, Alcohol and Drug Services, Columbus Public Health

It will be the first in-person session in the Columbus Dispatch's Columbus Conversation series.

Dispatch Opinion Editor Amelia Robinson will host the discussion which will also stream live on Dispatch.com and on this newspaper’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. It will be available to view on those platforms following the event as well.

"People in our community are suffering through addiction and far too many are dying. It is our responsibility to help find solutions for them and their families," Robinson said.

Community organizations will host information tables. Naloxone, a drug used to stop opioid overdoses, will be distributed during the event, a partnership between the Dispatch, Central Ohio Hospital Council, Ohio State University and WOSU Public Media.

More:The human toll is mounting. 'Scourge' of addiction, mental illness must be fought| Opinion

Amelia Robinson, Columbus Dispatch editorial page editor and community engagement editor

More:What we know about the overdose deaths of two Ohio State students

Have questions for the panelists?

 Email them to Amelia Robinson at Arobinson@Dispatch.com. 

HOW TO GO

WHAT: Dispatch presents Columbus Conversations: "What is the state of the opioid crisis in our community?"

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Where: The Fawcett Center on The Ohio State Campus Conference Theater, 2400 Olentangy River Road.

Cost: Free