Orange County NC Website
5 <br /> Page 2 of 2 Abhishek Shankar <br /> event of an overdose). All these experiences working in the space to combat the overlapping <br /> syndemic of HIV, viral hepatitis, and substance use would inform my service on the board. <br /> Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: <br /> I am a long-time resident of North Carolina and a student for the past 6 years at the University of <br /> North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a person of color, young adult and student, I can provide a <br /> unique perspective as someone that has been directly involved in progressive drug control policy <br /> in North Carolina. My research in this field has shown that boards nationwide in this subject area <br /> have broadly been composed of older, white men, with a strong bias towards law enforcement <br /> and criminalization perspectives. I believe that Orange County can do better, and with our <br /> progressive reputation and history can set a model for how to address the opioid epidemic and <br /> prevent overdose deaths. As a member of this board, I would be able to provide an alternatively <br /> nuanced perspective, with support and resources from my professional and educational <br /> background. <br /> Conflict of Interest: <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Other Comments: <br /> This application was current on: 10/19/2022 2:06:35 PM Date Printed: 10/19/2022 <br />