COLBY — United to Transform is inviting the public to a community conversation about substance use and the impact of stigma from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the Colby Community College Student Union. Lunch will be provided during the event.

The meeting will focus on insights gathered from over 400 Kansans, an exploration of a developing network map of substance use providers and resources, and collaborative brainstorming on ways to strengthen the community’s collective response to substance use challenges.

Who Should Attend
The event is open to all individuals interested in addressing the opioid crisis and substance use concerns in their community. Family members, primary care providers, law enforcement officials, business representatives, veterans, hospital and school administrators, counselors, students, and substance use care providers are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives.

How to Register
Participants are asked to register for the SUD Needs Assessment Event – Sensemaking to assist with planning for food and seating. Each person requires a separate registration.

Staff from the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research will facilitate the event as part of the United to Transform initiative. This statewide project aims to reduce the toll of substance use disorders on Kansans by identifying community strengths and challenges, recommending solutions, and aligning systems for innovative approaches.

About United to Transform
United to Transform is a targeted statewide project initiated by the Sunflower Foundation and funded by the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board. The project is conducted by the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research and focuses on expanding the understanding of substance use issues at the community level to develop effective solutions.

For more information about the event or the United to Transform initiative, please visit United to Transform.