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Representative Steve Huffman
Addressing the
Opioid Epidemic in Ohio
Ohio’s most pressing and urgent issue is the drug abuse and addiction
epidemic that is ravaging our families and communities. Because the
crisis threatens the health of our entire state and has the potential
to prevent future growth, the Ohio House has taken great strides
towards facing its many challenges with a multifaceted approach.
In the House-passed version of the state operating budget, we included
provisions that invest $170.6 million in new money to fight drug
addiction through coordinated care. Our focus is on four key areas:
prevention, treatment, mental health, and workforce development,
tackling the complete cycle of addiction and lifting individuals up and
out of drug dependence.
The investment reflects the priorities and goals outlined in the HOPES
(Heroin, Opioids, Prevention, Education, and Safety) Agenda, a major
part of our policy platform, the Buckeye Pathway. Only by targeting
each particular component of the addiction cycle in varied and
distinctive ways can we hope to put a conclusive end to this crisis.
By putting a greater effort towards prevention, we can get in front of
the epidemic and stop its influence on younger generations. From there,
we must get those who are already struggling with addiction the proper
treatment. With an expansion of treatment and detox options, the
addicted can get sober with the help of trained professionals. However,
the state needs to have resources available to those who have been
recently treated to ensure they do not fall victim to the grasps of
addiction again. Once these individuals are back up on their feet, a
strong workforce with accessible training and certification options
open many doors for job opportunities, allowing them to create stable
lives and contribute to society.
Ohio’s opioid epidemic is not easily overcome—it requires not only a
comprehensive approach, but also the coordination of all interested
parties, from state and local government to community leaders, law
enforcement and concerned parents. I’m proud of the steps my fellow
members and I took in the House version of the state budget to combat
this issue, and I was encouraged to see the Senate build upon this
effort by securing additional funding.
Ohio has struggled for too long against this scourge, and it is time we
each put our all into finding solutions to end it. I have faith in the
power of our communities, and I believe that by working together with
the proper resources, we can bring healing and recovery to those who
need it. For more information on building a drug-free future, please
view StartTalking.Ohio.gov.
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