Summary: This article discusses the city of Dayton’s ambitions to change their image as the center of the drug overdose crisis; poor public schools performance; and a struggling economy and workforce. Outlining what has to happen for the community to prosper in the future, it was mentioned that Dayton’s current image stands as the “overdose capital” of the nation. As the article continues to cite some of Dayton’s most pressing issues, some reports have shown that veterans are twice as likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose as non-veterans. However, the Dayton VA Medical Center has found that their comprehensive treatment could be a model for other organizations, and chronicled personal stories of those who have overcome addiction in the community, demonstrating recovery does happen. Additionally, the local issues of Dayton Public Schools range from low test scores, hemorrhaging enrollment, poverty and a historic lack of leadership. Diving deeper into some of these problems, such as the wide achievement gap between black and white students, racial disparities in discipline, chronic absenteeism, and a large number of classes taught by substitutes, there are clearly various areas of divestment within the community that can use interventions.
Analysis: This article provides a better context of what societal issues face Dayton, providing better insight to which communities need uplifted when considering target audiences. Despite the direction of my final design, I think gaining a better of the communities hardships and systemic failures need to researched in order to create sustainable and ethical solutions. I think having a broader goal of getting to know the needs of the community will influence decisions later on in the process, and that is why it is important to familiarize myself now.
