Corporation of Mercer University

The North Georgia Opioid Prevention and Education Network (OPEN) is a multi-sector consortium focused on the prevention of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose in a four-county region of rural and Appalachian north Georgia (i.e., Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, and Polk Counties). The consortium comprises members representing higher education, substance abuse treatment providers, drug courts, law enforcement, emergency medical services, a local pharmacy, public services, and secondary schools. During the planning year, North Georgia OPEN will execute a formal memorandum of understanding connecting consortium members; conduct a comprehensive assessment of the area’s needs, strengths, and driving forces; conduct a formal strategic planning process; develop a formal workforce plan; implement a community awareness campaign on opioid overdose; and create a sustainability plan to guide the program’s efforts moving forward.