Frontline workers and emergency responders recognized

Frontline workers and emergency responders recognized
File

The MHRB encourages all citizens of Wayne and Holmes counties to find a way to show gratitude to their local safety forces and those who work in the medical and counseling fields during the week.

                        

The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties, in collaboration with the Wayne County Opiate Task Force, is recognizing frontline workers and emergency responders during a week of appreciation April 29 through May 3.

The MHRB encourages all citizens of Wayne and Holmes counties to find a way to show gratitude to their local safety forces and those that work in the medical and counseling fields during this week.

“Please join me in expressing our thanks and our gratitude to the countless number of individuals who spend their days working tirelessly in an often thankless role to help save lives,” said Judy Wortham Wood, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties.

In 2016 Wayne County experienced its highest rate of deaths due to drug overdose at 38. In 2018 this number decreased to 19. It is through community collaboration that this number will continue to decrease.

The Wayne County Opiate Task Force has worked to spearhead community-education efforts surrounding local treatment options and safe disposal of prescription medications. Membership of the task force is made up of various leaders and volunteers from multiple sectors of the community.

One member, the Wayne County Health Department, began offering Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) trainings in April 2017. Thus far 79 individuals have been trained in identifying and responding to an opiate overdose including administering Naloxone, the medication used to reverse overdose effects.

These classes are free of charge and are held the second Tuesday of the month of February, April, June, August, October and December from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register, call 330-264-9590.

“These heroes help those that they serve to engage in treatment and achieve recovery, support children and families impacted by this disease, promote prevention activities, and build strong, resilient communities.” Wood said.

The MHRB encourages people to get involved by writing letters to the editor and sending thank you notes to local agencies and police/fire stations. Learn more at www.whmhrb.org/opiate-task-force.


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load