Apr 03, 2019
LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — Lorain County is facing the drug epidemic head on.
People suffering from addiction in the county can get help at a new harm reduction clinic in Wellington, Ohio.
Harm reduction strategies have been successful in battling the opioid epidemic throughout 19 counties in Ohio, according to a news release from Wellington police.
“We’ve been plagued by the opioid epidemic in Lorain County and have long as a community been embattled by the disease of addiction,” said Dave Covell, Lorain County Health Commissioner. “Opening this clinic in Wellington is a critical step in our efforts to create a healthier community and encourage people to embark on their path through treatment and recovery.”
The clinic is getting help from multiple groups in the county, including Alcohol and Drug Addiction Service Board of Lorain County, Lorain County Public Health, Nord Center, Nord Family Foundation, Let’s Get Real, LINC of Lorain County, The LCADA Way, Firelands Counseling, University Hospitals and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
“The emergence of these types of programs comes from the success they’ve had in their own communities in reducing deaths, spreading or infection of disease, and promoting cleaner, safer communities” said Chief Barfield, of the Wellington Police Department.
The program offers free services including access to rehabilitation centers, counseling, resources to families, HIV education, STD testing, safe disposal and replacement of syringes, wound care, Hepatitis C testing, Medicaid sign-up and more.
The program takes place at Wellington United Methodist Church, 127 Park Place, Wellington, Ohio 44090 every other Friday. The next clinic will take place on April 5.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-lorain/lorain-county-opening-new-harm-reduction-clinic-to-help-battle-the-opioid-epidemic
