Whether you, a family member, friend or coworker have been affected by the opioid epidemic, Westwood Behavioral Health Center provides resources on how you can help identify the struggle in loved ones and community members through their H.I.T.S. Campaign.
Westwood Behavioral officials state that the hard facts on the opioid epidemic in our area are earth-shattering and hit too close to home.
- Ohio has been ranked #1 in the nation for opioid related deaths.
- Every 2 hours, an Ohioan dies from an unintentional drug overdose. (Source: Take Charge Ohio)
- 63% of Ohioans who died from unintentional overdose had a prescription for a controlled substance within the past year. (Source: Take Charge Ohio)
- 1,756 teens will abuse a prescription drug for the first time each day.
- Students who take a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons are 5 times more likely to develop a drug abuse problem.
- More people are dying today from drug overdoses than motor vehicle crashes. (Source: Take Charge Ohio)
The facts on drug abuse are chilling. When it comes to misuse or abuse of prescription pain medication and/or alcohol, anyone can be at risk, and it’s important that as community members you educate yourselves and know how to recognize the warning signs. After all, it could save the life of your friend, coworker, children and/or grandchildren.
“Opioid addiction is a community problem. This epidemic affects our friends, our family and our coworkers. As community members, we have a responsibility to help educate and bring awareness to this rising epidemic and let those who are affected know how to identify the struggle those dealing with addiction are going through and offer them a real opportunity for long-term recovery. This isn’t something to be ashamed of, taken lightly or battled on your own – it takes a community to rise above.” – Mark Spieles, CEO at Westwood Behavioral.
To learn more about how you can identify the struggle and signs of drug abuse and/or misuse, you can explore our website: westwoodbehavioral.org/HITS.
What is the H.I.T.S. Campaign?
The purpose of the H.I.T.S. campaign is to raise awareness on the rising opioid epidemic in Van Wert and Paulding counties, and other surrounding areas. The goal of the H.I.T.S. campaign is to:
- Increase awareness that opioids can be addictive and dangerous.
- Reduce the number of individuals using these drugs inappropriately.
- Let those who have been affected know that they are not alone and have a team of professionals here to support them.
What does H.I.T.S. stand for?
- Help Identify the Struggle.
- Help Identify the Signs.
- Help Identify the Solutions.
The opioid epidemic hits hard, hits home and hits here in our local community.
Not only does the H.I.T.S. campaign have the potential to reduce the amount of overdoses and provide support to those who are affected – whether it be addicts, family members or friends – but it also provides the opportunity to raise awareness and help others avoid a path to addiction.
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 reach out and contact us. 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.
