Nan Whaley's Bold Steps to Tackle Dayton's Opioid Crisis
I think those are the two things that are coupling, that are really happening...declaring an emergency helps you with the administration of narcan.
Dayton, Ohio, finds itself at the heart of the opioid epidemic, and Mayor Nan Whaley is not backing down from the challenge. In this episode of the Cover2 Resources podcast, host Greg McNeil sits down with Mayor Whaley to uncover the strategies and actions her city is taking to combat this devastating crisis. Dayton was among the first cities to declare a state of emergency, allowing them to swiftly mobilize resources and get people into treatment.
Mayor Whaley highlights the critical role of naloxone in saving lives and the importance of quick response times in emergencies. But it’s not all smooth sailing. The mayor delves into the significant hurdles local governments face, from strained resources to insufficient support from higher levels of government. One of the most pressing issues she discusses is the aggressive stance Dayton has taken against pharmaceutical companies deemed responsible for flooding communities with opioids.
The city has even filed lawsuits to hold these companies accountable. Throughout the conversation, Mayor Whaley emphasizes the need for robust government funding and support for addiction recovery programs. Her insights provide a roadmap for other communities grappling with similar issues. This episode offers a candid look at both the successes and ongoing challenges in Dayton's fight against opioid addiction, making it a must-listen for anyone affected by or interested in this pressing public health issue.