Groups to lower Ross County overdoses

CHILLICOTHE – The Ross County Health District recently remembered the lives lost to overdoses with a memorial at the entrance of Yoctangee Park. This memorial helps people visualize exactly how many overdoses happen each year in the county and how many citizens are lost. They are hoping next year to have fewer flags as they work with local organizations to help those in need.

This may not be the case though since as of July, Ross County was ranked the second highest in overdose deaths throughout the entire state by the Harm Reduction Ohio Analysis of Ohio Department of Health data. The analysis puts Scioto County at number one in the ranking of overdose deaths this year.

In 2021, Ross County experienced 63 fatal overdoses, this is the most deaths seen in the county due to overdoses in 10 years. The Ross County Overdose Fatality

Review board called it the “worst year on record” in their report. The report shows how overdose deaths have risen significantly in recent years with 2013 being the last time under 30 fatal overdoses occurred.

While not fully to blame, the pandemic may have played a role in increasing the number of overdoses seen in the county since during this time many lost their jobs and others were feeling alone. In 2020, Ross County saw 55 fatal cases, a large jump from 2019 which had 36 fatal cases.

Some local groups are working to help bring the number of fatal cases back down and help all impacted by substance abuse. First Capital Recovery and Counseling is a transitional facility that helps provide care and housing to individuals who need it. The program also offers educational assistance to help people battling addiction obtain their GED and possibly go on to higher education or a trade school. By offering educational opportunities the program helps individuals find good jobs and get back into active parts of the community.

“We want [people] to have long-term employment along with the skills, tools, they need to continue their successful recovery,” said Bud Lytle of First Capital Recovery and Counseling. “We provide people the opportunity to be successful.”

The Hope Partnership works to prevent substance abuse, treat those impacted and help them recover. The Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) is also trying to help those battling addiction. The team is led by local law enforcement who help to connect individuals and families to treatment, support and recovery services in the area. These are just some of the resource programs in and around Ross County. Each of them are open to talking to individuals and families to help find the best treatment option and help lower the number of overdoses in Ross County.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at Sreeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_reeves_