Getting Involved-A Call to Action

Getting InvolvedA Call to Action

From the SOS Berks Chairpersons by Coalition Co-Chairs: Kevin S. Barnhardt, Commissioner, County of Berks, and Stanley J. Papademetriou, Executive Director, Council on Chemical Abuse

Between 2015 and 2016 there was a 70% increase in the number of overdose deaths in Berks County. This increase was both sudden and shocking. The impact and devastation were experienced throughout Berks County - by the criminal justice system, by healthcare providers, by employers, by neighborhoods and most especially by families and loved ones. The enormity of the impact of this sharp increase in overdose deaths in our community demanded a local response. In 2016, the Berks County Board of Commissioner and the Berks County Criminal Justice Advisory Board established the Berks County Opioid Task Force comprised of public officials and other community leaders and stakeholders. This group began meeting in December of 2016 and continues to meet monthly. The task force created a strategic plan, established committees, and eventually re-branded itself as the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition. SOS Berks has a simple and concise vision – saving and improving the lives of Berks County residents.

Since its inception five and one-half years ago, there has been a core of about 35 to 40 individuals who have consistently participated in SOS Berks to address the overdose issue in our community. Neither the heat of summer, the cold of winter, nor the quarantining of COVID-19 have deterred these individuals, and the coalition, from continuing to meet and develop ideas, strategies and activities to address the local overdose dilemma. This energy and effort are extremely important. Although the overdose problem has not been eradicated in Berks County (quite the contrary), the efforts of these individuals helped to increase awareness and remove obstacles for those seeking help. Much has changed with the overdose crisis. It has evolved from the misuse of prescription drugs to the abuse of heroin. Today fentanyl has emerged as the drug responsible for most all overdose deaths. How we now address the problem has also evolved. We know more now and have adopted and added new and different approaches. Our expectation is that how we address the problem will continue to change the more we learn and understand.

As the contributing factors to the overdose crisis continue to change, the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition recognizes, to effectively respond, it needs to change and grow. The task force initially formed was primarily comprised of policy makers and representatives from organizations needing to identify and coordinate services. While this collaboration is still important, our efforts now need more community input and involvement.

Berks County’s population is diverse, comprised of individuals with various backgrounds. While this varied demographic adds to the richness of Berks County, it also requires a variety of ideas, voices and approaches when confronting a medical, legal and social issue such as the overdose crisis. Truly, one size does not fit all. We recognize this and realize our need for more community involvement. It is extremely important to have all segments of Berks County express and share their needs, their concerns and their ideas. There is no single answer, no quick fix, not magic cure. We need input from the community to help discover, develop and implement solutions.

There are many reasons why individuals choose to become involved in their community. One facet is the desire to help and be part of the solution. The desire to help is not a rare nor unique attribute. In truth, there are countless individuals in our community who want to help. Berks County is abundant with individuals who are kind and empathetic and desire to help. They understand that if we help our neighbor, we help our neighborhood, our community, and our world.

An important factor when one seeks to become involved is connecting with the opportunities to help. While many have the desire to help, they may not be aware of how to help or where to start. Some people hear of opportunities to help through work, associates, family or friends. Others may become aware through the media. The SOS Berks Opioid Coalition is committed to connecting to members of the community so they can learn more about the issue and to lend a hand. How can you help? Get involved. Maybe, you can choose many pathways to help pave the way to solutions. You can choose to participate in the SOS Berks Opioid Coalition or one of the committees. Or help organize an SOS Berks community awareness event for your neighborhood, place of worship or social club. Or volunteer by helping to distribute informational materials at community events and fairs. Or pick-up a Narcan® kit (the opioid overdose reversal medication) free of charge for a loved one – or yourself.

All of us continue to stare down the reality of an overdose crisis as it devastates our community. Should you get involved in helping? That’s up to each individual to answer for themselves. How can you get involved? Contact us. Either through the SOS Berks email address sosberks@gmail.com or the SOS Berks website at Community Coalition | SOS Berks | United States.