Ashburn, Va. (Aug. 6, 2020) — To support park and recreation leaders across the nation, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is proud to announce the release of Parks and Recreation: A Comprehensive Response to the Substance Use Crisis. This report explores response strategies and recommendations for park and recreation professionals to take an active role in addressing the substance use crisis in their communities — highlighting a variety of tactics and levels of response that focus on prevention, operations and maintenance, public safety, community education, partnership building, staff training and development, and more. Strategies are supported by federal, state and local public health agencies and organizations — and are rooted in evidence-based best practices and solutions.
The report groups response strategies from community-based organizations into three overarching themes:
- Responding to substance use challenges in park and recreation facilities
- Supporting community members impacted by substance use
- Focusing efforts on prevention
In addition, five agencies share how they are responding to substance use and community needs through a public health lens. These case studies provide real-world examples of the strategies and solutions covered, ranging from installing sharps disposal kiosks in parks to providing community education, as well as prevention and awareness training.
“Park and recreation professionals confront substance use on park grounds daily, with many staff on the frontlines responding to substance use and related issues. Local agencies are challenged with finding effective ways to address the crisis, ranging from preventative education and programming to implementing harm reduction strategies, such as needle and syringe disposals,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “With substance use disorder continuing to impact individuals and communities across all races, classes, geographies and identities, the park and recreation field has a responsibility to respond and be part of the solution. NRPA is proud to assist their efforts and provide resources to combat this crisis.”
To learn more about the report, Parks and Recreation: A Comprehensive Response to the Substance Use Crisis, click here.
Read a recent blog, An Epidemic: How Parks and Recreation Can Play a Role in Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders.
To learn more about all NRPA Health and Wellness initiatives, click here.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
###
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.