The Community Overdose Action Team was established in the fall of 2016 to address the opioid/heroin epidemic in Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio. The goals of the program are clear – stabilize the number of people dying from overdoses, and then reduce the number of people dying from overdoses.

Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services and Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County are the lead agencies in the effort to combat the epidemic.

After the number of deaths spiked in May at 80, the trend has been going down. Public Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper says despite the decrease, local health agencies will continue to fight the epidemic.

“We are investing in controlling illegal supply on the street, enhancing our prevention efforts, expanding the distribution of naloxone, as well as expanding our syringe services programs,” said Cooper.

At a recent meeting, several former addicts spoke passionately about the impact that local organizations have been making.

After a divorce, Sarah Northrup was “homeless, penniless, hopeless,” said Northrup. “A walking, truly lifeless shell in active addiction.” Now however, after a six month treatment program, she is hoping to become a vital part of the community.

Northrup urged the audience to be open-minded “in considering the benefits that the cities and schools, our children, and the once broken homes could gain by allowing those like myself the opportunity to become clean and to seek out others that still suffer and are a part of the voice needed to break the chain of addiction.”

Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction, lying to yourself and others? Don’t wait any longer to ask for help. In today’s environment, you never know when your next dose will be your last!

Our Neuro Rehabilitation approach helps address the root causes of addiction once and for all.

To learn more about how Dayton and Montgomery County are collaborating in the fight against addiction, please visit WYSO.org.