NEWARK – As we reach the one-year mark of the beginning of shutdowns and isolation due to the pandemic, I think it’s time we acknowledge how hard this past year has been.
We have all been disappointed by the cancellations of our favorite yearly events, concerts, and even eating in our favorite restaurants. This disappointment has been especially hard for those working on their recovery. Social connectedness is a key component to a successful recovery plan.
With this connectedness suddenly becoming unavailable, or at best very challenging, we’ve seen that this has put recovery at risk. All across the nation, overdoses have been rising. Peer recovery centers have been closed or operating in a limited manner. Crisis-line calls are rising for many different types of calls.
The numbers show that many of our residents are struggling and need help. Chances are if you are not struggling yourself, you probably know someone who is. So what can you do?
Fortunately, in Knox and Licking counties, we have resources to help those who are struggling with their addiction. Through a grant held by Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox County, we have an Overdose Response Team (ORT) that allows a support team to meet with individuals and help them get on the path to recovery. This team utilizes substance-use treatment centers, peer support and community policing to help someone take those next steps.
Anyone can access these resources by asking for ORT by calling 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898-211. After requesting ORT, a team will come together and meet you in a place of your choosing to begin the process. If you’re a friend or family member of someone who has an addiction to opiates or stimulants such as methamphetamine, you can also call for the team.
We encourage anyone who needs help to reach out to these services that are available right here in the community. Please don’t wait until someone has “hit rock bottom.” It’s been proven that early intervention does work, and we don’t need to wait until all is lost before starting to find the way back.
Emily Morrison
Community Relations Coordinator
Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox County
1435 West Main St., Suite B
Newark, Ohio 43055
Office: 740-522-1234, ext. 28
Cell: 740-504-3598
