MANSFIELD — A group of professionals is taking action to combat the opiate problem in Richland County.
Starting March 1, law enforcement, mental health and addiction services and addiction advocacy officials will launch the Opiate Response Team Project. Each team will consist of a law enforcement officer, a treatment professional, and an addiction advocate.
The teams will meet with residents who have overdosed and received Narcan. The purpose of these visits is to support those who are struggling with addiction and to encourage them to seek treatment.
The teams will provide individuals and their families (or other support systems) with information and assist them in establishing services at a treatment agency in their area.
A similar program was implemented in Colerain Township, a community in Hamilton County of approximately 59,000 people. They reported that up to 80 percent of individuals who were contacted after an overdose have followed through with treatment.
“We hope to be able to report a similar, positive response,” said Joe Trolian, executive director of the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
The Opiate Response Team Project will target multiple overdoses in Mansfield and all overdoses in Shelby as a pilot project during March through June. Full implementation of the project throughout Richland County will begin July 1.
An informational packet has been developed with the assistance of funding from the Ada Ford Foundation and will be made available to all individuals who receive assistance from Narcan.
Any questions regarding the Opiate Response Team Project can be directed to the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board at 419-774-5811 or via online question submission at www.richlandmentalhealth.com.
