Fairfield Medical Center - Fairfield County Opiate Task Force

What is it?

Composed of judges, hospital staff, law enforcement, social service agencies, business owners, recovery centers and community members, including recovering addicts and their family members, the task force offers providers professional trainings about the state database that helps identify possible drug-seeking behavior and has implemented proper drug disposal days. The hospital instituted a policy in its emergency department to limit opiate prescriptions. For families struggling with drug abuse, the task force offers support groups and social networking. The hospital also provides an educational program for those caring for opiate-exposed infants.

Who is it for?

The entire community.

Why do they do it?

Drug abuse is the leading cause of death in Ohio. The community has seen drug abuse start with prescriptions, but when individuals run out of money or access they advance to heroin, methamphetamine and, more recently, bath salts.

Impact

Since 2000, demand for opioid addiction treatment in Fairfield County has increased 500 percent. According to community surveys, misuse of prescription drugs has decreased.

Contact: Cynthia Pearsall
Chief Nursing Officer
Telephone: 740-687-8006
E-mail: cynthiap@fmchealth.org