April 19, 2018

Fr. Bob introduces himself, the event, and everyone around the room gave their name and which organization they represented. Wide range of people in attendance: everyone from clergy, public service, to family members of those suffering with addiction.

Overview of progress made thus far.

  • What we need to do is connect this cause with someone we know: humanize it
  • There is a big focus for Drug Take Back Day on April 28th
  • Why should we promote this?
  • Where should you take the drugs? Are these locations everywhere?
  • These are valid concerns. This information needs to be readily available to all

Feedback from the crowd: before the videos

  • We need an accurate, tangible list of places where drugs can be dropped off: Here’s the Link
  • We need to emphasize that it’s not just one day people can do this; people can do this every day!
  • Which social media accounts are we focusing on? Can we expand?
  • Currently Fr. Bob is using Facebook as the main platform
  • Can we get just a PDF of the Drug Take Back Day to share with churches/orgs?
  • People want the info concise & up front!
  • Can we have access to the videos to share?
  • Available on website

Feedback After the Videos:

  • Overall, generally positive feedback
  • Loved that there was one in Spanish
  • Needs the words shown on the screen to be in Spanish too, not just the voice
  • Can we have one towards the Islamic and Jewish Communities as well?
  • Include list of drugs that are abused. People may assume it’s just opiates, but there’s more
  • Idea: make a hashtag for this movement
  • Allow people to see the progress that has been made from them dropping off their drugs and the contribution it is making to the overall cause; could inspire others too
  • Can we get volunteers to help elderly or homebound get their unwanted drugs to the safe locations? This would be a challenge to make sure they are not abused or sold, but if we could execute this safely, could be helpful.
  • Everyone should share, like, post, these videos and info this week to promote this “spring cleaning”
  • Are we utilizing church bulletins? Get this info out and in the bulletins
  • Make sure people know they can donate any time and where they can do so
  • People may fear repercussions if they turn in their drugs; we need to reassure them that it is okay
  • Perhaps provide necessary literature and resources at these drug drop off locations
  • We are trying to create public momentum
  • The videos were posted on Monday and already have 5,000+ shares. Imagine if we all go home and share/post
  • Get the fliers we have but in Spanish
  • Can we get this drug take back message to air on the radio? What about the news? If you have contacts, do reach out!
  • Bold ANONYMOUS on flier so people know that it’s okay
  • We all need to work together and take these steps forward
  • People are fearful that if they call 911 when someone overdoses, they will get in trouble. We need to eliminate the fear!

Post-Lunch Discussion

  • Bob proposes light discussion of “talking points” while eating, so we can discuss as a group
  • Each person fills out their own sheet of talking points, which we will talk about as a group, and collect for development
  • Dustin Russell speaks
  • Great efforts in Lake County; need to spread to all counties
  • We need to create workplace awareness of this issue
  • What are we doing on all fronts to open this conversation?
  • Every year, American Employers lose 80 million employees annually due to drugs/absenteeism, etc.
  • We need to change this!

Talking points:

  • Who is your audience?
  • What are your three talking points?
  • Repetition is key and the mother of learning
  • Doing this exercise because we really need to start talking about this issue instead of keeping it hush hush.

First Example:

Audience: Family

  • You need to know addiction & the dangers
  • Start the conversation
  • Just 1 and you’re done
  • Suggestion: anonymous tip line via text
  • Crime Stoppers is working on this

Second example:

Audience: Post-treatment patients

  • You have purpose. We just need to find it
  • There is Help
  • There is Hope

Third example:

Audience: Addict

  • Find something that means more to you than the drugs
  • You are more than the choices you have made
  • If you’re breathing, there is still hope. It’s not too late

Fourth example:

Audience: Youth (prevention)

  • Prevention is key!
  • Must reach them while they are young (before 13)
  • Impact them with good things that are larger than life; good role models that support being drug free

Fifth example:

Audience: Elementary and High School Students

  • Don’t dismiss gateway drugs
  • Look got God/higher power for relief
  • Don’t fear being a “wimp.” Let’s make being drug-free “cool.”

Sixth example:

Audience: Those coming back into society (ex: from prison)

  • You’ve gone through the hardest part
  • 1 more could kill you
  • Recovery, help, hope, support is there

Seventh Example:

Audience: Addiction is a disease

  • Remove stigma; it affects all of us
  • Addiction is a disease
  • Treatment needed on demand & insurance should cover it

Eighth Example:

Audience: 20/30 year olds or grandparents that raise their kids’ kids

  • Education prevention
  • Get rid of meds
  • Don’t be afraid to ask Drs. & Dentists good questions
  • Know the signs & create deeper awareness

Last Example:

Audience: General

  • Addiction is an epidemic…opioids are not the problem
  • We need to change the language from “addicts” to “people with substance abuse disorder.” Wow, so profound! J
  • Closing Remarks
  • Collect Contact Info/Interest sheet/ talking points
  • Look at their interests to form future groups and expand the cause initiatives