Dinner Dialogue to bring community and University members together

On April 28, members from the Bowling Green community and Bowling Green State University will engage in important discussions about how they can work together to address the opioid crisis in our community.  

Free and open to the public, the “Let’s Talk About the Opioid Crisis” event will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center at St. Mark’s Church, 316 S. College Drive.  

The opioid crisis is a pervasive problem that disproportionately affects people in Ohio. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that 3,613 people in Ohio died of opioid-related overdoses in 2016, making Ohio one of the top five states for opioid-related overdose deaths. This crisis is impacting individuals who are coping with addiction as well as their families, loved ones and the surrounding community.  

Recognizing the need to address the opioid crisis, there have been multiple events at Bowling Green State University such as the 2018 Opioid Teach-In and in the Bowling Green community like the Opioid Addiction Community Program at First United Methodist Church and the Opioid Forum and Panel Discussion. The Dinner Dialogue on April 28 aims to build on the positive momentum of these events by bringing community and University members together to share ideas, brainstorm solutions and build stronger networks of care.

Doors will open to the public at 5 p.m., and dinner from South Side Six will be provided. Opening remarks will be delivered at 5:30 p.m. by President Rodney Rogers, Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), Wood County Commissioner Dr. Ted Bowlus, and Bowling Green City Council member Bruce Jeffers. Guests will have opportunities to participate in several rounds of small group discussions where they will share their experiences and expertise, ask questions and identify potential collaborative strategies to address this issue in the community.  

The event and dinner are free, but seats are limited. People interested in attending should register online.