Belmont County Marks Overdose Awareness Day

Robert A. DeFrank

Thursday was National Overdose Awareness Day and the Belmont County Health Department brought attention to the growing problem of drug overdoses and to offer tools to combat it.

Staff at the health department were giving out Narcan kits at the Walmart Plaza, as well as other hygiene items and information. The kits have naloxone, which reduces or reverses overdoses due to opiates.

Linda Mehl, director of maternal and child health at the Belmont County Health Department, said they had given away almost 50 Narcan kits by 3 p.m. She and other staff also gave instructions on how to use the kits.

"People have been pretty receptive that have been here. A lot of different scenarios. Some people want to have it on hand in case they would come upon somebody. Other people have people they know that use drugs, so it's been a success as far as that goes. I think we're happy with the turnout today," she said.

"I think people don't realize how many overdoses and deaths there are in our county," Mehl continued. "There's a huge stigma for people, they're using drugs, they need to get help if they're ready, and we want to save their lives so they can move on and get treatment and get help."

Erica Schreckengost, the prevention specialist for Belmont, Harrison and Monroe Counties said overdoses continue to pose a problem in the area.

"When it comes to substance use, opioids are a very big concern along with fentanyl, so having these Narcan kits on hand can save a life whether it's a family member, friend or somebody you just met."

Carrigan Goodson, health educator at the health department, said there were many educational opportunities.

"We've gotten some mixed feelings about this. All-in-all, I'm glad we're doing this. It is National Overdose Awareness Day. Like Erica said, the use around here is high and I think this could save a life. Addiction doesn't discriminate. It could be your neighbor, your family member, so it's better to have these on hand than to not."

Among those stopping by for a kit were Beth Thompson of Barnesville.

"I used to be a drug addict for a while. I think Narcan kits are important for people to stop overdoses," she said. "To save lives."

Thomas Funkhouser, an ordained minister from Bethesda, said the kits are valuable life saving tools.

"I get a lot of this stuff. I go around, check out and work with kids," he said.

Jennifer Blon of Barnesville also said drug overdoses have hit close to home.

"We actually had a couple of our friends OD before," she said. "With all the fentanyl, you never know. I'd rather carry it and not need it than not have it and watch somebody else go through what my friend's family did."

Chief Deputy James Zusack of the Belmont County Sheriff's Office also stopped by to show support.

"Narcan does save lives, he said. "I know people have mixed emotions about why they do this, but it affects more than just that person, it affects their families and friends and it could go on and on. It's more for the family and friends to have for a peace of mind in case something should happen, they have a chance of maybe saving that loved one, and that's why we support this."

Mehl added that they will have a health fair 1:30-4 p.m. at the Bellaire High School Gym.

"We'll be distributing there also, but there's a lot of other screenings, all kinds of health screenings going on, resources available, immunizations are going to be available at that event. There are a lot of different services and service providers that'll be there that day."

For more information, contact the health department at 740-695-1202. The department is located at 68501 Bannock Uniontown Road, St Clairsville. The public can order Narcan kits online through the department's website, belmontcountyhealth.com.