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Substance Use Disorders in Your Backyard: Raising Awareness, Removing Stigma

Substance use disorder impacts minority communities at a disproportionate rate. Learn more about substance use disorder in our community and how you can access help for yourself or someone you care about in this series of programs presented by The University of Toledo Medical Center Emergency Department and the Frederick Douglass Community Center. 

The effects of opiates on ethnic and racial minority populations
Jeremy Miller, M.S.W., LISW-S, LICDC-CS

Learn more about substance use in northwest Ohio minority communities, including substance use prevention and detection, and how to help those living with substance use disorders and breaking the stigma associated with seeking treatment.

Treatment resources available in our community
Renee Craft, M.S.W., LISW

Many treatment resources are available locally to help people living with substance use disorder. Learn where and how to seek help for those you care about.


Spotting substance use and risk factors in adolescents

Sharon Thomas, M.D.

Many adults, including teachers, clergy, family or other trusted adults are in a position to prevent or identify signs of substance use in young people. Learn more about the increased risks of substance use among young people, including poverty, drug availability, child abuse and neglect, and peer substance use.


COVID-19 effects on behavioral health and substance use
Victoria Kelly, M.D.

COVID-19 had negative effects on mental health and well-being, including but not limited to increased substance and alcohol use, particularly in minority communities. Learn more about the connection between COVID-19 and substance abuse in minority communities and how you can find help or help others.

This program was made possible by Grant Number 1H79TI085753-01 from SAMHSA. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the author and to not necessarily represent the official views of SAMHSA. Funding provided through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in partnership with the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.


ABOUT THE TEAM

Our dedicated team was awarded a $25,000.00 grant from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health (OCMH) to organize a four-session educational event in Northwest Ohio. Our main goal for creating this project is to raise awareness about substance abuse and prevention, while combatting the stigma associated with substance use disorders in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino communities. Together, we worked collaboratively to provide valuable knowledge, community resources, and effective strategies to destigmatize addiction and overcome related barriers. Our team is dedicated to making a positive impact and supporting the Northwest Ohio minority communities.

Dr. Mohamad Moussa
Associate professor of Emergency Medicine- University of Toledo Medical Center
Supervised the project and communicated with OCMH to obtain grant approval

Dr. James Shih
Research assistant professor- University of Toledo
• Assisted Dr. Moussa in leading the project and managed the production of surveys for data collection

Erika Wilt
3rd year medical student- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
• Marketing and advertisement

Bhavneep Kaur
2nd year medical student- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
• Community outreach/engagement and advertisement

Julia Dillard
3rd year medical student- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
• Event descriptions for social media advertisement

Addison Sparks
3rd year medical student- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
• Translation services for Hispanic/Latino community

Last Updated: 3/21/24