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Proximity to these types of conflict can quickly immerse anyone into the realities of the crisis, as DeAsa quickly discovered. The second experience roused as DeAsa began to witness UMADAOP at work in her home town, “Every week there is another story about someone experiencing an addictive episode related to opioids addiction,” and she noticed the investment Umadaop played in the rehabilitation, counseling, and care of those suffering from opioids, as well as other harmful substances. And thirdly, DeAsa was introduced to Dr. Kamaria Tyehimba. Dr. Tyehimba, the CEO at Umadaop, had deep roots in the substance community for knowing how to fight the dangerous epidemic.The two met and quickly bonded both as friends and ambitious professionals. DeAsa soon became a member of the UMADAOP board, and after only two years, took over as Board Chair. For a business-driven person like DeAsa, she might appear misplaced among the counselors, caregivers, and other addiction recovery specialist who typically walk the halls at Umadaop. But DeAsa is right at home. She has already made positive strides for the improvement of operations at the facility. “We’ve been able to take a look at what were the skills and resources of those on the board, and if we had gaps then we made sure to fill those gaps to advance the organization. We are on the third phase of our three-year strategic plan. We will soon be finalizing our next three years so that we can continue to provide the services at a higher level.” DeAsa spoke about some of the steps the organization is taking to pursue more corporate funding. State, local, and federal grants already help organizations like UMADAOP, but reaching out to local businesses is an avenue that could sponsor programs that enable greater relief and prevention education.

As the board comes up with new possibilities for funding, UMADAOP utilizes community teamwork to see greater aid extended to the Cincinnati community. Some of these steps involve forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and social-businesses who, as DeAsa says, “offer similar services to UMADAOP so that we treat people as a whole person.”

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Some of these steps involve forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and social-businesses who, as DeAsa says, “offer similar services to UMADAOP so that we treat people as a whole person.” 21