Addresses the heroin and opiate public health crisis in Lucas County. Presentations are available for agencies, churches and other community groups to raise awareness, provide resources and encourage all members of our community to do their part in helping to prevent prescription drug abuse, addiction and fatal overdose.
The Heroin & Opiate Initiative is funded by the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County.
Key Facts
- The abuse of prescription pain medications has reached epidemic proportions in Ohio.
- Fatal drug overdoses remain the leading cause of accidental death in Ohio, above car crashes.
- The number of opioid related overdose deaths, tracked by the Lucas County Coroner's Office representing 20 counties in Northwest Ohio and 1 county in Southeastern Michigan, has increased from 8 in 2010 to 556 in 2020.
- Opiates and opioids are drugs that are highly addictive and are prescribed to treat pain.
- Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opiate drug.
- Many recent overdose deaths were the result of the illicit drug supply contaminated with fentanyl or other opioids that are more powerful than heroin.
- Those addicted to heroin or other opioids are likely to have started by misusing prescription pain medication. Many people get these prescription drugs for non-medical use from the homes of their parents, grandparents or friends.
- Prescription drug drop-off boxes are located in Toledo and throughout Lucas and Wood Counties for the safe disposal of unused medications. A list of drop-off box sites is available here. Lucas County, Wood County.
- Family members also experience the trauma of addiction and overdose.
Heroin & Opiate Initiative Video:
To request a free presentation for your organization, agency or community group in Lucas County, please contact the Heroin & Opiate Initiative at 419-241-3626.
Help is available.
- Call the Crisis CARE Helpline at 419-904-CARE (2273) for information regarding access to recovery services in Lucas County.
- Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
- Crisis Text Line: text 4hope to 741741.
- Lucas County Emotional Support Line 419-442-0580
- Resources for family members can be found at https://aplace4mary.com.
Related Services
Prevention Services
Teens ChildrenPrevention programs that teach social-emotional life skills and age-appropriate alcohol, tobacco and drug education to reduce anxiety, addiction and violence are available to schools and community groups in Lucas County. Programs run 10-12 weeks and are taught to whole classrooms or other groups weekly for forty-five minutes to an hour.
Learn MoreSubstance Use Disorder Treatment
Adults Teens ChildrenServices to help individuals with substance use and emotional health needs at the same time.
Learn More