OCLC and Public Library Association Publish “Call to Action: Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities”

From ALA/PLA:

OCLC and the Public Library Association (PLA) today issued Call to Action: Public Libraries and the Opioid Crisis, a report that offers tested strategies to consider as libraries determine local responses to the nationwide public health emergency.

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The call to action encourages public libraries to:

• Evaluate local health data
• Seek community partnersEducate staff and community members on the issue
• Consider the need for staff care
• Offer programs and services that support local needs

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The OCLC-led project was supported by a $249,714 National Leadership Grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS, project number LG-00-18-0298-18) to collect and share knowledge and resources that support public libraries and their community partners to address the opioid crisis. The previously released case studies and summary report feature opioid responses from libraries serving populations from 16,000 to more than 800,000 people. Documented activities and programs include training on naloxone use, access to peer navigators, author talks, film screenings, and public awareness campaigns.

Read the Complete Publication Announcement, Additional Resources

Direct to Full Text Report

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Data Files, Funding, Libraries, Management and Leadership, News, Public Libraries