Life-saving overdose antidote Narcan should be available across northeast Ohio, but it’s not
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In Ohio, a state hit hard by the heroin and fentanyl overdose epidemic, it should be easy to get the overdose-reversal drug, naloxone, at most pharmacies without a prescription. A 2015 law allows pharmacists across the state to use a standing order signed by a doctor to dispense the lifesaving medication, most commonly known by the brand name of the nasal spray version, Narcan, to customers who do not have their own prescription. A standing order can be signed by a doctor (whether one employed by the pharmacy chain, a local physician or the medical director of [...]
Greater than Heroin collaborates with National Drug Take Back Day to help fight addiction epidemic
Many communities and organizations are partnering with law enforcement agencies for National Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28. The goal is to help reduce the amount of unneeded, unused and expired prescription drugs that often are found in homes. The program offers a way to properly dispose of these unwanted medications and to help prevent them from getting into the wrong hands. Greater than Heroin, a resource center spearheaded by Father Bob Stec, pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick, is one of the organizations collaborating on the initiative. Visit GreaterthanHeroin.com or click HERE for [...]
Politicians need to take note of needles and ZIP codes in opioid crisis: Mark Naymik
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Aside from bodies in the morgue, there are no more important indicators of the scope of Northeast Ohio's opioid crisis than needles and ZIP codes. And nobody is closer to these telltales - and the people who fuel them - than Lisa Fair, Chico Lewis and Roger Lowe. Together, they run the state's first and largest needle-exchange program through Circle Health Services, formally known as the Free Clinic of Greater Cleveland. I've been periodically checking in with them to get a street-level view of how the opioid crisis is evolving. The latest signs are discouraging, though not [...]
Dispose of unwanted medications April 28 – National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
CLEVELAND, Ohio - People who have unwanted or expired prescription medications are encouraged to dispose of them on Saturday, April 28 - National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. People can find the nearest collection site by entering their ZIP code and city on takebackday.dea.gov/. Many are permanent drop boxes located at police stations. Cuyahoga [...]
Addiction Awareness Workshop: August 4
A response to the crisis - presented by St. Malachi's Samaritan Ministry on August 4th from 9am - 4pm. Read the flyer below to learn more.
Greater Than Heroin Summit Meeting Minutes
April 19, 2018 Fr. Bob introduces himself, the event, and everyone around the room gave their name and which organization they represented. Wide range of people in attendance: everyone from clergy, public service, to family members of those suffering with addiction. Overview of progress made thus far. What we need to do is connect this cause with someone we know: humanize it There is a big focus for Drug Take Back Day on April 28th Why should we promote this? Where should you take the drugs? Are these locations everywhere? These are valid concerns. This information needs to be readily [...]