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H.I.T.S. Campaign to Raise Awareness on Opioid Epidemic in Van Wert and Paulding Counties

Westwood Behavioral Health Center (Westwood Behavioral), in collaboration with the Tri-County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, announced early Monday morning the launch of their opioid abuse and awareness campaign, referred to as H.I.T.S.

The H.I.T.S. campaign is focused on raising awareness concerning the opioid epidemic in Van Wert and Paulding counties. The goal of the H.I.T.S. campaign is to help increase awareness that opioids are addictive and dangerous; reduce the number of individuals using these drugs inappropriately; and to let those who have been directly/indirectly affected know that they are not alone. A team of local professionals are readily available to help them on their path to wellness.

What does H.I.T.S. stand for?

  • Help Identify The Struggle.
  • Help Identify The Signs.
  • Help Identify The Solutions.

Westwood Behavioral CEO Mark Spieles states:

“We want those who have been affected by this epidemic to know they are not alone. This is a worldwide problem – and a problem seen here in Van Wert and Paulding counties. There are steps we, as community members and businesses, can take to support one another in this war against drug abuse. Opioid abuse occurs in all social classes and in a wide age demographic. It’s time we take a stand and help our Van Wert and Paulding County residents know that we care. We want to help educate the public to know the struggle, the signs and most importantly, the solutions.”

Not only does the H.I.T.S. campaign have the potential to educate Van Wert and Paulding counties on the hard facts, it provides support to those who are affected – whether it be users, family members or friends. The intention of the H.I.T.S. campaign is also to raise awareness and help others avoid a potential path to addiction. Westwood Behavioral has counselors ready to work with patients to set them on the path of success.

What is the Opioid Epidemic?

“Opioids” include everything from heroin and fentanyl to prescription pills like oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine and morphine. The misuse and abuse of these medications is prevalent in Van Wert and Paulding counties.

Statistics show that more than 130 people die every day in America due to misuse of these drugs. This equates to one person every 11 minutes.

“This epidemic is hitting America hard. It’s hitting here in our very own communities, and we have seen too many family and friends lost to this disease of addiction. It’s in our schools, our churches and our area businesses. For many of us, it’s hitting closer to home than we realize. We all have a responsibility, and it starts with recognizing the signs, dealing with the struggles and leading those addicts to the local resources that will help them through the recovery process.”– Mark Spieles

Where Can You Find Local Support?

Whether you are directly affected by the use of opioids, know someone who has been affected, or want to help raise awareness to the opioid epidemic, we encourage you to explore our website www.westwoodbehavioral.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate intervention, please call 800-567-4673 or text 4HOPE to 741741.

We have a team of licensed professionals who are here and ready to help.