BATAVIA, Ohio (March 30, 2018) – With a message of Bringing Help. Bringing Hope. Thank you., the Clermont County Opiate Task Force is joining in the State of Ohio’s Week of Appreciation from April 9-13 with outreach to organizations and individuals that have been on the front lines of the opiate epidemic battle in Clermont County.
Beginning with a proclamation from the Clermont County Commissioners on April 9, members of the task force will fan out during the week with certificates, cookies and personal thank you notes to police departments, fire/EMS departments, Mercy Health Clermont, boards, agencies, government offices, recovery support groups and others that have joined forces for years to stem the opioid tide.
“This is a week of thanks and a week of celebration,” said Karen Scherra, Executive Director of the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board (MHRB). The board, which has co-chaired the Opiate Task Force since its inception in 2013, has been the lead partner in the collaborative effort to slow down and ultimately reverse the epidemic. Through its taxpayer-supported levy, the MHRB has directed funds to various initiatives to help those impacted by addiction.
Many more treatment options and services are available in Clermont County now compared to 2013, Scherra noted. “We are proud of the fact that the Opiate Task Force came together early on when we recognized what was happening, and began a collaborative process that continues to pay off.”
But this week, she noted, is really about those who aren’t always thanked as they make a difference in the lives of those who have substance use disorders.
“We see every day the difficulty and pain so many of our front-line fighters face as they work to help individuals in need. The positive impact that recovery from addiction can have on individuals, families, job growth, community safety, and overall economic development cannot be overstated,” Scherra said.
“Treatment works and people recover,” she stressed.
“Saving individuals and helping to open the door to recovery for those living in Clermont County who need treatment services and supports is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. Our community will be stronger for it.”
As part of the Week of Appreciation, the Opiate Task Force is inviting the public to attend its monthly meeting from 2-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 12. It will be held at the Batavia Township Community Center, 1535 Clough Pike.
“We’re holding our meeting this month at a larger location. We invite the public to celebrate this week with us, by stopping by to learn more about our initiatives and successes,” Scherra said.
Some of the 2017 accomplishments include:
To learn more about the Clermont County Opiate Task Force, go to www.getcleannowclermont.org and follow Opiate Task Force’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/getcleannowCC.
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