MASON COUNTY — A new community survey is asking people who live or work in Mason County to share their perspectives on opioid use as local leaders work to shape prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.
The Mason County Community Opioid Steering Committee launched the survey to better understand how opioid use is affecting the community and to guide decisions on how opioid settlement funds should be used.
“We want to hear directly from the people who live and work in Mason County,” said Commissioner Jody Hartley, chair of the steering committee. “Whether you have been personally affected by opioid use or simply want to contribute to this effort, your feedback is valuable.”
Hartley said addressing stigma remains a priority, noting it can prevent individuals from seeking help and isolate families dealing with substance use.
“We must work together to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use,” she said. “By speaking openly and listening with compassion, we can create a community where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not shame.”
The anonymous survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is available online at https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9sKDYEfsGds6Lie. Paper copies are available at Mason County District Libraries, the Mason County Administration Office and other partner locations.
The deadline to participate is May 25.
Survey responses will help the committee set priorities for spending opioid settlement funds and recommend a process to the Mason County Board of Commissioners for distributing those funds.
The committee meets every even month on the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Mason County Airport Terminal Conference Room, 5300 W. US-10, Ludington. The next meeting is June 23. The public is encouraged to attend.
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