Miami University Hamilton Campus

We had three events: 1) Opiates and the Brain: “The Heroin Epidemic in Butler County: How Addiction Affects the Brain, Behavior, and Society,” a talk presented by Scott Gehring, CEO and President of Sojourner’s Recovery Services. A total of 34 people participated with 4 volunteers. Scott shared with us some fascinating information, and attendees asked lots of questions and got lots of answers. Objectives were to educated the campus and surrounding community on the opiate epidemic currently facing our region. I do feel we achieved our goals, but wish attendance was higher. 2) Brain Trivia. We had 48 visitors and 3 volunteers. Seven teams played 2 rounds of trivia. Winners of each round, and the team with the most points at the end of both rounds, won prizes including brain coffee mugs, plush neurons, brain computer decals, and more. Objective was to educate college students on the brain, and I believe our goal was met. 3) Build-a-Neuron and Beer Goggles/Optical Illusions Demonstrations: We had 21 visitors and 3 volunteers. We gave away snacks, cookies, and brain erasers, and the top 4 neurons from our build-a-neuron contest won prizes including a brain mold, a book of optical illusions, an M.C. Escher print, and a floating brain pen/pad of brain paper. Our goal was to educate college students on the brain, and I believe we met our goal but wished attendance was higher.

I think the opportunity to educate students & the community is extremely beneficial. Immediately outcomes included increased engagement in the campus and surrounding community and awareness of the brain and addiction as it relates to brain function.

Next year I’ll use more resources provided by the Dana Alliance–I just joined this year, and didn’t request materials in time. I’ll also work to increase advertising to get better attendance at our events!