Members of the Clermont County Opiate Task Force were eager to share their thoughts with U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup at their Oct. 13 monthly meeting, where Wenstrup was a guest.
Dr. Joe Kahn gave a presentation on carfentanil, the substance being found in heroin locally and throughout Ohio that has resulted in more overdose deaths in the region.
Congressman Wenstrup gave a brief summary of his thoughts on the heroin epidemic from his conversations with constituents and discussed the status of federal activity. He asked Task Force members to share their issues and concerns, as well as some of the local work being done to address the epidemic in Clermont County.
Many OTF members brought up issues such as the supply and cost of naloxone, which is negatively impacting fire/EMS and township budgets, the need for more treatment resources, and the frustrations of family members dealing with addiction for the first time.
Several members said that greater emphasis needed to be placed on prevention.
There was discussion of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act that passed Congress and was signed by President Obama in July, and the grant funding that will be made available to local communities and states through it. Members also shared some of the positive things being done collaboratively in the county.