I’ve talked about it in my weekly column before, and you hear about it on the news almost daily — the drug abuse and addiction crisis that is ravaging communities across the state. Overdose numbers continue to rise and families continue to be torn apart.
There is no easy fix; the issue is one that requires the time and attention of everyone in Ohio: the state government, local support organizations, and community leaders.
One great resource in fighting this epidemic is our local Alcohol and Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Boards. ADAMHS Boards help connect individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues — which are so often linked — to help and care to get them back on their feet.
I’m especially proud that the state was able to devote $14 million towards ADAMHS Boards in the recently passed budget bill.
Locating persons in need of services, offering crisis intervention, and providing access to a range of housing and residential treatment programs are just a few of the things these support systems can do for those in need of help.
On that note, our ADAMHS Boards are operated at the county level, which gives people who need help access to a local community of support, which can better understand the struggles dealt with on a daily basis.
If you or someone you know within the 91st House District is battling addiction or a mental illness, I encourage you to reach out to our local ADAMHS Boards.
For those in Clinton County, the Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton Counties can connect you to the care needed. This board is on the front lines of this epidemic, doing everything they can to put an end to addiction, including kicking off a six-month opiate campaign in September to get the word out about the help they can provide.
More information about their services can be found at www.mhrsonline.org, and those in need of immediate help can call their Crisis Hotline at 877-695-NEED.
For those residing in Highland, Pike, or Ross counties, the Paint Valley ADAMHS Board is ready and willing to help the individuals and families affected by mental illness and addiction within southern Ohio. The caregivers and staff at the organization will work directly with you to connect you with providers to get you care, while maintaining a support system for families.
You can find out more about the selfless work they do at www.pvadamh.org or by calling the following Crisis Hotlines for each respective county: Highland County at 937-393-9904, Pike County at 740-947-2147, and Ross County at 740-773-4357.
Again, if you or someone you know needs help with addiction or a mental illness, remember that you are not alone.
Our ADAMHS Boards are only one part of the vast system of care available to those in need, and through their strong community partnerships, they can help end this epidemic and keep individuals healthy and families united.
Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) represents the 91st District, which includes Clinton County.
