More help needed to battle opiate epidemic

Ohio’s opiate epidemic continues, and unfortunately Lake County is not immune. Too many of our friends, neighbors and family members are falling prey to addiction. Overdose is now the No. 1 cause of accidental death in our state — surpassing even car crashes.

The Lake County Opiate Task Force, begun and led by the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board, is working hard to do battle with this insidious enemy. The Task Force includes law enforcement and first responders, courts, educators, addiction and recovery experts, as well as Lake County’s Department of Job and Family Services, General Health District, and Coroner’s Office. We are fighting diligently, but we fully understand there is still work to be done.

There is no silver bullet. Federal, state and local government support is important, but it’s not a singular answer. Law enforcement is vital, but we can’t simply concentrate on arresting and jailing more people. Public education is critical, but it can’t be our only focus. Treatment availability is a huge factor, but it alone won’t solve the problem. Courts are recognizing that in many instances, treatment can be a more effective and less costly alternative to jail for some nonviolent offenders — that matters as well, but shouldn’t be looked at as a cure-all.

To effectively battle this epidemic, it’s going to take more resources, more collaboration, more innovative thinking and more commitment. We need more soldiers in our army — more parents and grandparents, more teachers and coaches, more clergy and social workers, and youth volunteers. We need you.

A great first step: Purge your home medicine cabinet. Too often, older, forgotten-about medications end up in the hands of abusers and addicts. In Lake County, there are seven secure drop-box sites located in law enforcement offices where you can safely and anonymously dispose of them. For drop-box locations, visit www.lakeopiatetaskforce.org.

A great second step: Ask us to do a free presentation on addiction for your workplace, club or organization. Call the ADAMHS Compass Line at 440350-2000 or 440-918-2000 or visit www.helpthatworks.us.

Kim Fraser Executive director Lake County ADAMHS Board