Overdose Awareness: A Call to Action for Ashland County
As our community grapples with the ongoing opioid crisis, raising awareness about overdose prevention has never been more critical. Substance use disorders have had a staggering impact on our society. In Ohio alone, there were 4,915 drug overdose deaths in 2022. While that was a 5% drop from 2021, that still means that thousands of Ohioans are still dying from unintentional drug overdose, highlighting the need for increased awareness, education, and intervention.
Ashland County isn’t immune to the dangers of overdose. Overdose tragedies—whether from opioids or other substances—can strike anyone, regardless of background. To support our community, the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County (MHRB) is committed to providing essential resources and information.
September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate recovery, raise awareness about substance use disorders, and reduce the stigma that often surrounds them. This month also includes National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day on September 21—a day dedicated to shining a light on the opioid crisis and the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery support.
How to Recognize the Signs of an Overdose
Unintentional overdoses can happen to anyone. We all need to be aware of the signs of an overdose so that we can promptly intervene in a crisis situation. This awareness and action can potentially save a life.
Watch out for these indicators of a potential overdose so you know how to help:
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
- Shallow or irregular breathing
- Bluish skin or lips
- Pinpoint pupils or dilated pupils
- Slow or erratic breathing
Local Resources for Substance Use Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, local resources are available to help. The Ashland County Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ACCADA) and Appleseed Community Mental Health Center are key providers of substance use-related treatment services in our community. These organizations offer a range of programs designed to support individuals on their journey to recovery, including counseling, therapy, and support groups.
Consider saving the Appleseed 24/7 Crisis Helpline number—(419) 289-6111—to your phone for easy access to support and resources. For immediate help in an overdose situation, dial 911.
Additionally, Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, is available to the public at no cost through several local organizations. You can obtain Narcan at the Ashland County Health Department, ACCADA, and Appleseed.
Narcan is FREE, compact, and easy to use—all you need to do is peel back the package, place the tip of the nozzle in a person’s nose, and press the plunger firmly to release the dose.
Having Narcan on hand can mean the difference between life and death in an overdose situation.
Overdose Prevention and Awareness at the Ashland County Fair
The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Ashland County will be attending the 2024 Ashland County Fair from September 15 to 21. The fair is an exciting opportunity for us to engage directly with community members and raise awareness about overdose prevention, substance use treatment, and recovery resources.
As part of our outreach efforts, we will have educational radio spots through our three partner agencies—Appleseed, ACCADA, and Catholic Charities—in partnership with iHeartRadio. We will also be hosting a special podcast episode with the Ashland County Health Department and ACCADA, where we’ll discuss the importance of overdose awareness and available local resources.
“The fair is an exciting opportunity to engage directly with our community members and reach many people for awareness efforts. We will also be raising awareness about Suicide Prevention and the walk at the fair!” shared Sandy Hoffman, our Community Relations Coordinator.
Stop by our booth at the fair to learn more about the resources available in our community. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against substance use disorders and support those on the path to recovery.
Promote Overdose Awareness: Get Involved and Stay Informed
As we observe National Recovery Month, let’s come together to support our friends, family members, and neighbors who are affected by substance use disorders. Whether it’s through learning how to use Narcan, seeking treatment, or simply starting a conversation, every action counts.
For more information on local resources and events, visit the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Ashland County’s website or contact ACCADA and Appleseed directly. Let’s work together to build a healthier, stronger Ashland County.