CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS: Book Project on Ohio's Opioid Crisis

OU-HCOM Faculty Compiling First-Person Accounts

(September 19, 2017) Since the arrival of a full-blown epidemic in the abuse of and addiction to opioids in the United States, Ohio has consistently ranked at the top of the list for overdoses and deaths. As a result of this epidemic, the lives of many Ohioans have been significantly impacted in various ways. Policymakers and a wide range of professionals have attempted to devise responses, but opioid use and overdose deaths continue to rise.

HAVE YOU OR SOMEBODY YOU KNOW BEEN AFFECTED BY THE OPIOID CRISIS? DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR STORY TO TELL OR PERSPECTIVE TO SHARE?

To give a voice to this crisis and provide an in-depth look into the opioid epidemic in Ohio, faculty at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine are compiling a collection of first-person accounts, to be published in 2019 by The Ohio State University Press, under its Trillium imprint. They are seeking a range of perspectives to illustrate the impact, severity and scope of how this issue has affected the people and communities of Ohio. Contributions may include: real-life stories in narrative form, short-stories based on real-life events, photographs and other visual media, and poems. If you have an idea for an alternative format or medium, let them know. If you would rather be interviewed instead of contributing something on your own, they will arrange for the conversation to be published in an edited form.

The editors are seeking contributions from all regions of Ohio. Examples of contributors could include, but are not limited to:

  • Recovering Opioid Addicts and Current Opioid Users
  • Family and Friends of Addicts or Recovering Addicts
  • Educators and Coaches
  • Medical Professionals
  • Pharmacists and Industry Professionals
  • Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders
  • Government Officials
  • Addiction Specialists
  • Residents of Opioid-Affected Communities
  • Representatives of Nonprofit Agencies
  • Community leaders and members of faith-based organizations
  • Other individuals impacted by opioid use/overdose

The editors aim to curate a diverse selection of contributors. Submissions from underrepresented minorities are especially welcome. All professional backgrounds and levels of education are welcome.

Any proceeds from the collection will be donated to a charity involved in addressing the opioid epidemic within the state of Ohio. Contributors must be over 18 years of age and residents of the state of Ohio.

This collection is being edited by three faculty members at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine:

Daniel Skinner, PhD, Assistant Professor of Health Policy
Jane Balbo, DO, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Berkeley Franz, PhD, Assistant Professor of Community-Based Health

The project is being managed by Kacy Gaddis, MEd, Curriculum Coordinator at the Heritage College-Dublin.

If you believe that your story can have an impact, and are willing to share it, please send the following information with the subject line “Opioid Collection,” to Dr. Skinner at skinnerd@ohio.edu or submit your proposal online.

  • Your Name
  • Brief description of your perspective, or the story you wish to tell
  • Your town or region
  • Proposed medium (narrative, poem, visual art, interview, etc.)
  • Proposed length, if known
  • Contact information
  • Preference regarding authorship/anonymity

Your name is required with the submission, but this or other personal information will not be shared in the final publication or with any outside parties. After October 15, potential contributors can expect to hear back within two weeks of proposal submission. Proposals invited for submission will receive direction from the editors regarding length and scope.

Please send proposals no later than January 1, 2018. Early proposals appreciated.

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