​#55 - Faith Based Response to the Opioid Crisis

Friday 1-2:30 pm
Presenters
Jeff Butcher, The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew, National Office, Louisville KY
Karl Colder, former DEA Special Agent in Chargeand Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Waring Webb, Brother Andrew
Ted Main, Brother Andrew

Workshop Description
First Responders are called upon to engage in critical situations because they have the skills and tools to effectively address the needs of people in crisis.  People who are impacted by addiction, both users and those they know and love, often feel isolated, lack meaning in their lives, are unable to effect meaningful change on their own, experience despair, and feel inadequate to overcome the overwhelming nature of addiction.  The Church is uniquely poised to be on the frontlines of responders to this crisis because we offer inclusion into a supportive and nurturing community, the reminder that we are all created in the image of a loving God, and the promise that Jesus brings healing to every one of us.  As a church community we can provide effective resources for addiction and recovery along with the hope that comes from our faith that God’s love and efficacy that is available to everyone. 
 
This workshop will briefly cover how the crisis evolved; why the church serves as a first response in the crisis, and how the church can use its platform to effect change in the opioid crisis.