The National Civic League awarded Portsmouth Ohio its All-America City Award for 2020. A major reason for the honor is the community’s efforts to fight back against the opioid crisis. The Civic League called the city’s virtual presentation “incredible” when it announced the award. The city also received the award back in 1980.
The organization also praised efforts to beautify the city and activities like Winterfest and Final Fridays that lift community spirits. Here’s what the National Civic League said Portsmouth is doing right.
Tackling The Opioid Epidemic
The group called Portsmouth the “epicenter” of the opioid epidemic and detailed the many efforts the community-made to push back, including:
Education
- Educating doctors and pharmacists of prescribing guidelines
- Holding community forums to educate the public
- Helping patients understand opioid dangers
- Educating kids about the dangers of prescription drug abuse
- Youth-led initiatives to fight drugs in school
Support
- Targeting vulnerable youth for help
- A treatment-friendly court system
- Nalaxone education to stop overdoses
- Permanent prescription drug drop boxes
- Securing and condemning drug houses
The group also praised efforts to shut down pain management clinics and harsher punishment for doctors who over-prescribe drugs. Additionally, they highlighted the opening of 13 additional drug-treatment centers in the past nine years.
Public Art
According to the National Civic League, “Portsmouth is actively transforming spaces in the city for the 21st Century needs to create a healthy, visually appealing and inclusive city for residents.”
It’s no surprise that Portsmouth floodwall murals were mentioned but they also praised improvements at local parks, the mountain bike trails at Shawnee State Park, and the dog park.
Improvements to historical sites like McKinley Pool, Spartan Municipal Stadium, and Greenlawn Cemetery also figured into the award.
Boosting Morale
Additionally, the group praised the many activities and events offered in the area as needed morale-boosters. On their list were:
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- Winterfest
- Glocktoberfest
- River Days
- Blues, Brews, and Barbecue festival
- Final Friday in Boneyfiddle
- The Southern Ohio Senior Games
