Getting involved with your local Regional Opioid Abatement Council (ROAC) can be a great way to contribute to addressing the opioid crisis in your community. Here’s how you might go about it:
- Identify the ROAC in Your Region: Each ROAC typically covers a specific region or group of counties, so first, find out which ROAC serves your area. You can contact your local government, health department, or visit the Colorado Attorney General website on Opioid Abatement Council’s to find out which ROAC serves your area.
- Attend Public Meetings: ROACs hold public meetings to discuss funding decisions, community needs, and opioid-related initiatives. Attending these meetings can give you insights into current efforts and allow you to provide input. Check local government websites, ROAC websites, or social media for announcements about meeting times and locations.
- Volunteer for Committees or Advisory Roles: ROACs welcome community members to participate in advisory roles or committees focused on specific aspects of the opioid response, such as prevention, treatment, or recovery services, based on their expertise or personal experience.
- Share Your Expertise or Experience: If you have professional expertise in healthcare, public health, counseling, social work, or personal experience with the opioid crisis, Councils are open to hearing from community members with relevant insights. Contacting the ROAC to offer your perspective can sometimes lead to opportunities for engagement.
