District-produced opioid addiction video reaches district and U.S. audiences

Posted by PDG Sandy Schley
In 2014, numerous District 5950 clubs financed a district-produced video that heightened awareness of the dilemma of chronic pain, addiction, and prescription drug overdose deaths. This video has been shown throughout the United States, used in medical training programs, and served as a public image asset to facilitate major legislation to fight addiction to drugs. (Click on the logo to view versions of the video.)
 
Recently, The Public Television Network (TPT) invited the Steve Rummler Hope Foundation (SRHF) and the Rotary Clubs of District 5950 to update the video. It will be shown throughout the United States and at Rotary Clubs. Our District Governor Leadership Team (Mark Hegstrom, Bob Halagan and Irene Kelly) support making this a multi-year project, allowing District 5950 to produce educational materials, a facilitator’s guide, and leadership training to expand our reach to Interact and Rotaract clubs, Camp Enterprise,  ethics workshops, the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, schools, churches, and other community organizations.
 
The new video will update facts and statistics that are even more distressing than these from the 2014 video:
  • Prescription painkiller overdoses quadrupled in the past 20 years, killing 16,651 people in 2010 alone.
  • The quantity of prescription painkillers sold to pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors’ offices was four times larger in 2010 than in 1999.
  • Americans consume 80% of the global opioid supply, and 99% of the global hydrocodone supply.
  • In 2010, 12 million people reported using prescription painkillers for nonmedical reasons.
  • Incidents involving prescription painkillers resulted in 475,000+ ER visits in 2009.
  • The number of people seeking treatment for prescription opioid addiction rose 71% from 2003 to 2007.
The District 5950 Clubs that helped surpass the $4,925 goal include: Bloomington Daymakers, Bloomington Noon, Buffalo, Eden Prairie AM, Eden Prairie Noon, Edina,
Edina Morningside, Minneapolis University, and Plymouth.
 
Here are some ideas for ways clubs can use the video in their communities. (Also consider applying for a District Grant to support your plan.)
  • Premier Showing – Arrange a theater where the film can be shown. After the showing offer restaurant options in the area with a percentage of proceeds going to the SRHF.
  • Club Speakers – Sean O’Donnell can arrange a speaker.
  • Programs for Treating Youth Athletes
  • Programs for Persons with Pain Issues
  • Programs for Persons with Mental Health Issues
  • Parent Education