During his presentation at the 2017 OLC Convention and Expo, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine referenced several public information/education materials produced by his office in response to the state’s opioid epidemic that may be useful to Ohio’s public libraries. Those materials and other helpful information pieces include:

Ohio Community Solutions Guide (PDF)
This document was created by the AG’s Heroin Unit and contains a detailed list of state and local resources, programs and other information that may be useful. It is divided into the topic areas of Awareness, Education, and Prevention; Treatment and Recovery Support; Criminal Justice; Legislation; and Funding.

Library Outreach Document (PDF)
This document includes a list of suggestions about getting the word out about the great work libraries are doing to engage the community on this epidemic.

Warning Signs Poster (PDF)
This poster provides a list of things to look for if you think someone may be using opioids. If you would like to customize the poster for your library, please send an email to HeroinUnit@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.

Joint Study Committee Report on Drug Use Prevention Education
Although this guide focuses on schools, Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Prevention Report will also be helpful if you are considering bringing programming into the library. Sometimes programs that seem like a good idea may have a downside. This guide may be helpful when making those decisions.

In addition, the OLC staff is currently working with the Attorney General’s Office and other state agencies and organizations to plan a workshop to help public libraries respond to Ohio’s opioid epidemic while taking into consideration the safety of library customers and employees. More information will be provided as the details are finalized.

UPDATE 1/18/18: The OLC will host an Opioid Symposium on April 3, 2018 in Columbus.