Following a spike in heroin related overdoses, deaths, and crime related to its resurgence in early 2014, Chief Deputy Prosecutor (now York County District Attorney) Dave Sunday and York County Coroner Pam Gay formed the York County Heroin Task Force with the initial goals of reducing the demand for heroin and illegally used prescription drugs, education of our citizens and the reduction of drug related crime in our community through public education and law enforcement.
The executive leadership continued work to clarify the mission and refinement of focus of the group, thus changing the name to York Opioid Collaborative in 2017.
The name change emphasized that opioid abuse and overdoses deaths are best addressed with a multi-sector group focused on broader issues that require sustained effort. In early 2018, the York Opioid Collaborative successfully received its 501(c)3 status as a non-profit organization. The achievement of a 501(c)3 status equipped the organization to pursue grant funding and hire an executive director to move initiatives forward.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
OFFICERS
Margaret Eckles-Ray
Board chairperson
Samantha Zahm
Board Vice-chairperson
Jacquelyn Kreiser
Treasurer
Shannon Brady
Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Suzanne Schlager
Tania Zech
Reginald Hunter
Autherine Shaw
Kaylee Swanson
Lauren Days
Claudio Digitoro
T.L. Kearney
Kyle King- Past President
STAFF
Brittany Shutz
Executive Director
Kirstin Einsig
Community Engagement Specialist- Collective Impact Coordinator
Carissa Eaddy
Evaluation and Learning Specialist
OUR VISION
To significantly reduce the impact of substance use on the York County community and create an environment of continuous lifelong recovery and support.
OUR MISSION
To coordinate and create collaborations that raise awareness and advocate for support to collectively implement solutions and programs for substance use disorders.