As the region continues to fight the opioid epidemic, which is at its worth in low income counties, many are working on strategies to help the region to adapt to this issue, as well as longstanding issues regarding poverty.

Ohio University Southern hosted a “Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop last week, featuring Ruby K. Payne, an educator and author known for her work on the culture of poverty and its relation to education.

The session, funded by a Rural Development grant from the USDA was geared toward providers and agencies who work in education, health care, social services, mental health and addiction services, criminal justice and faith areas of the workforce.

According to school officials, this session was arranged to help employers who work with children of those in recovery.

This epidemic affects not just those who are addicted, but the families around them and it is fortunate that every opportunity is being used to help re-integrate those taking part in recovery into society.

We commend OSU for this effort and encourage more institutions to work toward the same.