Events
The center aims to bridge the gap between academic research and policy realities by providing a space where academics, government leaders and other stakeholders can engage and collaborate on examining issues of interest and concern. To do so, the center will host conferences and symposia to educate and bring awareness to drug policy and enforcement issues. The center aspires to provide stakeholders with programming and materials that can aid them in their day-to-day work and create a forum to discuss the challenges presented by this field.
The 2018 Ohio Neighborhood Safety, Drug Treatment, and Rehabilitation Amendment is a ballot initiative aiming to change Ohio constitution to achieve four goals: (1) change drug possession felonies to misdemeanors, (2) prohibit prison sentences for technical probation violations, (3) expand the ability to earn up to 25% off a prison sentence through rehabilitative programming, and (4) redirect funds saved from reduced incarceration to drug treatment and victims' services. Our series, Ballot Insights, aims to unpack the complicated issues and provide a venue for informed discussion of the individual policy proposals included in this proposed constitutional amendment.
The October 4th event focused on the proposed increase in ability of incarcerated people to earn up to 25% time off their sentence through participation in rehabilitative programming. At present, Ohio has a cap of 8%, one of the lowest in the nation.
For more information on past and future events in this series, please follow this link.
The cost of the opioid crisis counted in lives lost and permanently altered has been well documented over the last few years as public awareness has risen and families from all walks of lives have been affected. One of the aims of the Ohio Neighborhood Safety, Drug Treatment, and Rehabilitation Amendment is to provide additional funding for treatment and rehabilitation for people struggling with substance use disorder. However, not all treatment is created equal and the amendment is silent on how to ensure that funds go to proven effective treatment programs. Please join our panel of experts as they discuss possible challenges connected to the actual implementation of the initiative and the latest evidence on the effectiveness of various treatment programs and strategies.
Panelists:
- Daniel Skinner, PhD, Assistant Professor, Health Policy, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University
- Phil Nunes, Chief Operating Officer, Alvis, Inc. (already have bio)
- Dustin Mets, JD, Chief Executive Officer, CompDrug
Moderator:
Taleed El-Sabawi, JD, PhD candidate in College of Public Health, The Ohio State University
For more information and to register, please follow this link.
Sentencing reform focused on non-violent drug offenses has gained considerable support both at the state and federal level. As policymakers seek to find ways to lessen penalties associated with these types of crimes and provide retroactive relief to people effected by the war on drugs, the evidence from a number of states suggests achieving this goal might be more challenging than previously imagined. Please join our panel of experts as they discuss the potential impact of the ballot initiative on the criminal justice system and communities disproportionally affected by the war on drugs, and what steps should Ohio take to prepare for its possible passage to ensure that barriers to the promised relief are minimized for all.
For more information and to register, please follow this link.