There are many areas of humanity sustainability such as opioid addictions (and also a grand challenge at IU), diversity, equity and inclusions. Here at IU Columbus we have chosen some of these topics in which to become engaged.
Cumulative economic damages from 15 years of opioid misuse throughout Indiana
Ryan Brewer: Article http://www.ibrc.indiana.edu/ibr/2018/spring/article1.html
The United States continues to be mired in a longstanding and growing opioid epidemic born out of the pain management industry, dating to the 1990's. Several states across the country have sustained considerable losses in both life and livelihood, which continue to mount as the epidemic has continued to yield casualties. The losses measured in this study include the direct costs, indirect costs, and estimates of loss of life and opportunity. Each region of the country has been affected, but the epidemic has produced among the most severe outcomes in Indiana.
Our study presents a comprehensive estimate of the total damages experienced in the state of Indiana to date, as well as insights about additional damages reasonably expected in the future. Key findings include estimates of:
- Direct costs (losses associated with products and services required to combat the epidemic).
- Indirect costs (losses to gross state product resulting from lost work productivity) to the citizens of Indiana.
- A methodological structure that could be used to calculate total losses in other states, counties and metro areas around the nation.
Humanity Challenge – Opioids, Grand Challenge, Mental Health Counseling (set forth by President Michael McRobbie) see link here: https://grandchallenges.iu.edu/addiction/index.html
Darrin Carr from IU Columbus MHC:
Many of our friends, neighbors and children struggle with addiction and mental health issues.
“A training clinic at IU Columbus will further the Mental Health Counseling program’s mission of creating effective, ethical and culturally-competent professionals for the citizens of Columbus and South Central Indiana," states Darrin Carr, PhD, HSPP.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Public Engagement – Diversity Circles
IU Columbus hosted a live stream of the IU Indianapolis DACA Town Hall. Faculty, staff, and students we invited to attend. The town hall focused on what the change in DACA policy means for all of us. The recent decision to eliminate the DACA program raised many questions and created a great deal of uncertainty. This town hall provided a forum for discussion as well as a means to share guidance and resources about DACA.
