Law Professors Named to UT Opioid Task Force
by Diana Case | April 2, 2018
Toledo Law professors Shelley Cavalieri, Jelani Exum, and Elizabeth McCuskey were recently named to The University of Toledo Opioid Task Face. The interdisciplinary task force was created by UT President Sharon L. Gaber to address the opioid epidemic and includes diverse experts from across the University.
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Shelley Cavalieri is an associate professor of law with expertise in human trafficking and substance abuse. She teaches Property. Professor Cavalieri’s research focuses on economic, social, and cultural rights. She is currently working on a number of projects related to land reform based upon her fieldwork in Guatemala and was recently selected as a Fulbright Scholar. |
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Jelani Exum is associate dean for diversity and inclusion and professor of law. Professor Exum has expertise in criminal sentencing, substance abuse/opioid-related issues. She teaches Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Comparative Criminal Procedure, Federal Sentencing, and Race and American Law. Professor Exum’s research interests also include comparative criminal law and procedure and the impact of race on criminal justice. |
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Elizabeth McCuskey is an associate professor of law who coordinates the Health Law Concentration and co-directs the University's JD/MD and JD/MPH joint degree programs. She teaches Civil Procedure, Jurisdiction, Health Law, and Food & Drug Law. Professor McCuskey’s research interests lie at the intersection of health law, civil justice, and jurisprudence. |
“I am delighted that law professors will be involved in this task force,” said Dean D. Benjamin Barros. “The opioid crisis is one of our most pressing public health concerns, and I am glad that our faculty will be able to contribute their expertise to the University’s interdisciplinary effort to find solutions.”
The state of Ohio has seen a dramatic increase in recent years in drug overdose deaths—from 296 in 2003 to 2,020 deaths in 2014 (Ohio Department of Health, 2015). Collaboration between University researchers, physicians, and educators may lead to creative solutions to this public health crisis. The task force will identify and coordinate opioid resources, strengthen partnerships with community and government leaders, and identify funding sources to support future projects.
University experts will join state leaders on April 10 for the Opioid Summit in Libbey Hall to discuss the current status of the opioid epidemic in Ohio.