Opioid Task Force

Our Mission

The University of Cincinnati/ UC Health Opioid Task Force will demonstrate its commitment to this significant public health issue by bringing together researchers, educators, clinicians and leaders/advocates who are dedicated to having a positive impact on opioid addiction locally, regionally and nationally.

Our Activities

  • Aligning expertise and resources to be competitive for research opportunities to continue as a national leader in opioid-related research.
  • Formalizing pathways to care across our health care systems, clinics, programs and agencies.
  • Advocating for best practices in evidence-based treatments and prevention.
  • Enhancing interprofessional training of health care providers and students about innovative approaches to the identification and treatment of chronic pain and opioid addiction.
  • Improving the health of our community through partnerships and engagement.

Our People and Partners

  • In April 2017, our task force was formed, with co-chairs:
    • Neil MacKinnon, PhD, Dean,  James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
    • Melissa DelBello, MD, Stanley and Mickey Kaplan Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Medicine
  • and created the following four working groups:
    • Interprofessional Research: Chair - Theresa Winhusen, PhD
    • Interprofessional Education: Chair – Kelly Lyle, MHA, MS
    • Interprofessional Practice: Chairs – Rick Ryan, MD;  Christine Wilder, MD;  Stewart Wright, MD
    • Community Outreach and Engagement: Chairs - Mike Carroll, with support from the UC Academic Health Center and UC Health Communication Teams
  • Over 70 faculty and clinicians have joined the task force.

UC in the News

News Releases

1

Theo Marshall

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

I’m lucky to be the daughter and granddaughter of UC grads, and my family deeply values the education UC provides—my dad even went back to finish his bachelor’s after 42 years

2

Ella Davis

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

A Bearcat for Life shares how the University of Cincinnati shaped her journey to becoming a nurse through mentorship, community, and Bearcat pride.

3

Morgan Passek

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Cincinnati has allowed me to follow my dreams! Having studied International Business and Marketing at Lindner, I was able to hone my skills, build confidence and raise my hand for opportunities that took me across the globe.

4

Megan Pando

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Megan Pando built her future at UC. From DAAP studios to founding Makers Social, her Bearcats for Life story is about creating fearlessly and building boldly.

5

Kevin Krebs

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

A Bearcat for Life story about giving back to the University of Cincinnati, finding purpose through leadership, and carrying UC’s legacy forward.

6

Henry Green

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

From unforgettable experiences to global connections, see how UC made Henry Green a proud Bearcat for life.

7

Kendall Jacobson

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Learn how Kendall Jacobson, UC alumna and owner of Uncle Woody’s, found friendship, community, and lasting memories as a Bearcat for life.

8

Jordyn Bailey

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Discover how Jordyn Bailey, Class of ’26, found lifelong friendships, mentorship, and belonging at UC, making her college experience truly transformative.

9

Latoya Chambers

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Discover how UC helped Latoya Chambers find her purpose as an educator, advocate, and servant leader. Read her journey as a first-generation student, TRIO alumna, and proud Bearcat for Life.

10

Natalie Ochmann

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

From marching band memories to career milestones, discover how UC’s Bearcat Bands shaped a lifelong love for Cincinnati, campus spirit, and the red-and-black pride that makes a Bearcat for Life.

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