Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition encourages use of 988 Crisis Hotline Coasters in Lorain County Bars

The Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County believe mental health resources should be visible where people live, work and socialize. The Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition is asking local bars and hospitality establishments to begin using 988 Crisis Hotline coasters as part of a countywide effort to increase awareness and access to lifesaving mental health support. Placing 988 Crisis Hotline coasters in bars provides a simple and discreet way to connect individuals to help at moments when they may be most vulnerable.

Bars are social environments where alcohol use can lower inhibitions and intensify emotions. Having visible 988 information readily available can prompt someone experiencing distress, or a concerned friend, to seek immediate support.

These coasters serve multiple purposes:

• They raise awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

• They help reduce stigma around reaching out for help.

• They demonstrate a community’s commitment to suicide prevention and mental health support in everyday settings.

By participating in this initiative, local businesses play a vital role in fostering safer, more supportive communities.

Those interested in learning more about the Suicide Prevention Coalition are encouraged to follow it on LinkedIn or Instagram by searching LCSPC @lcsuicidepreventioncoalition.

“Together, we can ensure help is accessible, visible and available when it matters most.”

Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center is now open!

The Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center (LCCRC) opened on October 1, 2025, and is located at 6130 S. Broadway Avenue in Lorain, Ohio. The LCCRC is the county’s first dedicated, 24/7 facility for anyone adult (18+) experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis. Using the “Living Room Model” The LCCRC offers 32 treatment beds – 16 for adults needing short-term mental health stabilization and 16 for adults seeking help with substance use crises. Representing a “no wrong door” approach, whether someone is brought in by law enforcement, family or on their own, they will be welcomed and connected to the appropriate care. The facility is a community milestone, demonstrating Lorain County’s commitment to dignity, recovery and second chances.

Overdoses Spike in Lorain County Over 24-Hour Period

May 16, 2022 

Overdose Spike Anomalies Identified in Lorain County

LORAIN, OHIO – On May 14, the Lorain County Public Health Department received notification of a “drug anomaly” alert indicating there had been 10 drug overdoses over the span of 24 hours. 

This includes five females and five males: three under the age of 29, two between 30 and 39 years old, one person between 40-49 years old and four over the age of 50 years old. The unusually high increase reflects the number of drug overdose visits to emergency rooms. It was one of three overdose anomalies so far this month. 

The three unprecedented overdose anomalies in May include: 

• May 14: 10 overdoses 
• May 7: 9 overdoses 
• May 1: 8 overdoses 

In addition, Lorain County first responders and the Coroner’s office have also reported a noticeable increase in suspected overdoses including one mass overdose event involving four individuals from May 13-15.   

There are resources available for those who are actively struggling with substance use disorder: 

• A non-emergency bilingual Navigator is available with treatment and other resource information at 440-240-7025 
• Call the Crisis Hotline at 1-800-888-6161 
• Get a Narcan rescue kit for free. These are available at the Lorain County Public Health Department at 9880 S. Murray Ridge Road, Elyria.  
• Visit the Harm Reduction Clinic at The Nord Center, 3150 Clifton Avenue, Lorain to exchange needles, obtain fentanyl strips and more 

Some facts to note about substance use disorder as a medical disease from the National Institute of Health: 

• Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.  
• It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness.  
• Addiction is the most severe form of a full spectrum of substance use disorders, and is a medical illness caused by repeated misuse of a substance or substances.  
• Addiction is a treatable, chronic disorder that can be managed successfully. Research shows that combining behavioral therapy with medications, if available, is the best way to ensure success for most patients. The combination of medications and behavioral interventions to treat a substance use disorder is known as medication-assisted treatment. Treatment approaches must be tailored to address each patient’s drug use patterns and drug-related medical, psychiatric, environmental, and social problems. 

For more information about addiction, visit our website at https://mharslc.org/faq-addiction/.  

About the MHARS Board  The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County brings together the expertise, resources and proud histories of the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County and the Lorain County Board of Mental Health. The people served by mental health and substance use disorder systems have a common goal – recovery. Consolidating the county’s addiction and mental health partners strengthens our ability to coordinate treatment and recovery services, which helps us improve the lives of our clients, their loved ones and the community. Our goal is to maximize delivery of these health services. It means providing the right care, in the right setting, at the right time. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or connect with us on our website at www.mharslc.org