Purple flags fly and purple lights shine for Overdose Awareness Day on August 31

Addiction is often a hushed topic, as families privately confront its effects, and even grieve over lives lost. The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board is recognizing August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day with a series of public, visible tributes across Lorain County. 

“Our Opioid Response Community Engagement Team wanted to put the topic of overdose and addiction right out there, in purple, for all to see and acknowledge,” said Jinx Mastney, the Board’s Opioid Response Outreach Coordinator and Chair of the team. “And we found eager partners in Lorain County businesses, organizations and residents who realize that it’s time to show clear support for families who are facing a disease that devastates, but from which it is possible to recover.” 

More than 30 businesses and organizations are displaying 89 purple flags, in tribute to the 89 lives lost to accidental overdose in Lorain County in 2019. Churches and other buildings with bells will toll them for 89 seconds at noon on Monday. Other buildings will shine with purple lights. 

The day launches September’s Recovery Month, a national observance to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives.

“Our Board observes Overdose Awareness Day to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Seeing such widespread support from the community also encourages our addiction prevention work,” said Elaine Georgas, Interim Director of the MHARS Board.

Mastney said that she will be wearing purple, the international color of Overdose Awareness Day, on Monday. She also expects to see photos online of residents wearing purple, with posts using the hashtags #endoverdose and #recoveryisbeautiful. 

“The purple lights, purple flags, bells, and even my purple shirt, are a signal to the wider community that we support our neighbors, no matter their struggle,” Mastney said.

She also will attend an event hosted by Let’s Get Real, Inc., an agency in the MHARS network of addiction and mental health providers. The “Candles in Remembrance” event on Monday, August 31, at 8 p.m., at 1939 Oberlin Avenue in Lorain, will include the opportunity for participants to share a photo and a message about a loved one.

A map of flag locations, plus other information about activities, ways to get involved or find help for a loved one, are available at mharslc.org/recovery. Stories of recovery will be available throughout the month of September at the Board’s Facebook page, facebook.com/mharslc.  

The Addiction Helpline is available at 440-989-4900.

The MHARS Board is the behavioral health authority that plans, funds and monitors mental health and addiction services in Lorain County. Learn more at mharslc.org.

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MHARS Board provides resources to help loved ones in active addiction or recovery

The local Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board is providing resources to help mitigate possible new risks to people in active addiction and long-term recovery during the pandemic. 

“Your loved one may be more at risk of dying of an accidental overdose now, because of a combination of factors related to the pandemic,” says Elaine Georgas, Interim Executive Director of the MHARS Board. “We are especially concerned about people on their recovery journey who are isolated, and might be exposed to illicit drugs with highly dangerous, unknown components while they are also experiencing withdrawal symptoms or reduced tolerance.”  

Initial data through the local law enforcement New World system shows incidents of overdose increased slightly in March, and then increased threefold in April, with May following the same trend, according to Sarah Reinhold, the MHARS Board First Response Project Manager and data analyst. 

Georgas notes ways to be prepared to help a loved one in active addiction and recovery, including:

• Connect with support for all family members through Let’s Get Real, Inc., to learn how to help a loved one in active addiction or in recovery from a substance use disorder: 440-963-7042. Also ask about online recovery groups.
• Sit with your loved one while they call the local addiction helpline to seek treatment, available 24/7: 440-989-4900. 
• Ask all friends, loved ones and colleagues to add the Crisis Text Line to the contacts list in their phone: 741741. This is a free, confidential option to help people through a moment of distress, no matter what the challenge is.
• Request a free Narcan rescue kit from Lorain County Public Health by visiting www.loraincountyhealth.com/opioids. Narcan is a medicine that may reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug like Percocet, Vicodin, morphine, Demerol, heroin, and Oxycontin. Narcan is an emergency medicine that blocks the effect of the opioid on the brain and can help a person start breathing again. It does not reverse overdoses caused by non-opioid drugs like cocaine, alcohol, methamphetamines and benzodiazepines.
• Request a free medication disposal pouch to safely remove old or unused prescriptions from your home medicine cabinets, by contacting 440-282-9920.
• If you know that a loved one will use dangerous drugs, and may use them alone, tell them about the national Never Use Alone service available at 1-800-484-3731. This service asks callers for their location, allergies or medical conditions, and then an operator stays on the line with the caller while they use drugs. If the caller becomes unresponsive, the operator will notify emergency services of possible overdose. The service’s philosophy is to provide recovery help if requested, but they state: “We recognize that you will only quit when you’re ready to quit. We just want to help keep you alive until that time comes.”
• If you know someone in long-term recovery, who has been sober or drug-free for months or years, check in on them frequently. This period of reduced social contact can be dangerous for them. Search “Ohio Strive for 5” and #OHStrive5 for tips on how to stay connected.

Georgas notes that the unprecedented nature of the pandemic means that behavioral health specialists cannot know for certain that there are new risk factors, or that those may cause an increase in deaths. However, she urges action on data that is beginning to show an upward trend coinciding with the pandemic.

The National Institutes of Health called the opioid epidemic within the coronavirus pandemic a “collision of public health crises.”

The medical examiner for nearby Cuyahoga County issued a public health alert on May 19 after seeing a spike in drug overdose deaths. Soon after, the state’s Mental Health and Addiction Services department issued a notice of an increase in suspected drug overdose emergency department visits, citing anomalies in nine other counties across Ohio.

So far in 2020, 41 deaths by overdose have been recorded in Lorain County.

Georgas notes that in the wake of national or collective tragedy or distress, like that of a major health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of substance use often increase, along with other behavioral health challenges like depression or PTSD. Services are available through the non-emergency Navigator line at 440-240-7025 during regular business hours. The crisis hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-888-6161.

The MHARS Board serves as the local authority for community mental health and substance use services. The Board is the county agency responsible for the planning, evaluation and funding of needed programs and facilities for addiction and mental health services. Resources and information available at mharsloraincounty.org.

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Virtual Support Groups FREE for Essential Workers in Lorain County

Essential workers are taking care of all of us, and now there’s a resource to help take care of them.

“The stress levels at work are unbelievable.”
“It’s scary.”
“I’m worried about exposing my family to illness.”
“I’m watching out for everyone, but sometimes I think, who’s watching out for me?”

If you are an essential worker, healthcare provider or first responder in Lorain County, and you’ve thought or said any of the things above—or if you know an essential worker who has—please read and share this flyer.

We are offering essential workers and healthcare workers free, confidential virtual groups to share experiences, process emotions, and manage stress. Groups are led by a behavioral health professional with crisis experience, they are limited to 10 participants and may last up to 60 minutes.

This group does not replace resources offered at your work; instead it is an additional option and safe space for people who could use caring support among other frontline professionals.

Please contact Amber Smith at amsmith@nordcenter.org or 440-204-4163 for registration or questions.

This resource provided by The Nord Center in partnership with the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County.

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Commissioners proclaim May as Mental Health Month

At their April 29, 2020, meeting, the Lorain County Commissioners issued a proclamation for May as Mental Health Month for the County of Lorain.

SEE THE PROCLAMATION

If your city or civic group would like to join the effort to support each other’s mental health and wellness in May and beyond, please contact Clare Rosser at crosser@lcbmh.org to request a proclamation and Mental Health Month toolkit of online resources.

Many thanks to the Commissioners for promoting Mental Health Month.

The Commissioners’ proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and wellbeing; and 

WHEREAS, attention to mental health needs has never been more important than during this time of global change; and

WHEREAS, all Americans face challenges in life that can impact their mental health; and 

WHEREAS, prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions; and 

WHEREAS, there are practical tools that all people can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency; and 

WHEREAS, mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation; and 

WHEREAS, with effective treatment, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and 

WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization and citizen shares the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County provides leadership and direction to local partners by planning, funding and monitoring community mental health and substance use needs.

THEREFORE, the Lorain County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2020 as Mental Health Month. We call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools in Lorain County to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions. 

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What are your tools to thrive during May’s Mental Health Month?

While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. The good news is there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency, and there are ways that everyone can be supportive of friends, family, and co-workers who are struggling with life’s challenges or their mental health. 

This May is Mental Health Month. The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County is highlighting what individuals can do daily to prioritize their mental health, build resiliency in the face of trauma and obstacles, support those who are struggling, and work towards a path of recovery, with resources from the #OHStrive5 and #Tools2Thrive campaigns.

One of the easiest tools anyone can use is taking a free, confidential mental health screening at https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/lorain when they need answers. It’s a quick, free, and private way for people to assess their mental health and recognize signs of mental health problems. 

This May, we are also exploring topics that can help you build your own set of #Tools2Thrive – recognizing and owning your feelings; finding the positive after loss; connecting with others through #OHStrive5; eliminating toxic influences; creating healthy routines; and supporting others – all as ways to boost the mental health and general wellness of you and your loved ones. 

When it comes to your feelings, it can be easy to get caught up in your emotions as you’re feeling them. Most people don’t think about what emotions they are dealing with but taking the time to really identify what you’re feeling can help you to better cope with challenging situations. It’s ok to give yourself permission to feel. 

DOWNLOAD “Owning Your Feelings” Handout

We also know that life can throw us curveballs – and at some point in our lives we will all experience loss. It may be the end of a relationship, being let go from a job, losing a home, or the death of a loved one. It is natural to go through a grieving process. By looking for opportunity in adversity or finding ways to remember the good things about who or what we’ve lost, we can help ourselves to recover mentally and emotionally. 

DOWNLOAD “Finding the Positive After Loss” Handout

It also is true that connections and the people around us can help our overall mental health – or hurt it. It’s important to make connections with other people that help enrich our lives and get us through tough times, but it’s equally important to recognize when certain people and situations in life can trigger us to feel bad or engage in destructive behaviors. Identifying the toxic influences in our lives and taking steps to create a new life without them can improve mental and physical health over time. 

FIND YOUR 5 and create positive connections though #OHStrive5.

DOWNLOAD “Connecting with Others” Handout

DOWNLOAD “Eliminating Toxic Influences” Handout

And we know that work, paying bills, cleaning, getting enough sleep, and taking care of children are just some of the things we do each day – and it is easy to be overwhelmed. By creating routines, we can organize our days in such a way that taking care of tasks and ourselves becomes a pattern that makes it easier to get things done without having to think hard about them. 

DOWNLOAD “Creating Healthy Routines” Handout

For each of us, the tools we use to keep us mentally healthy will be unique. The MHARS Board wants everyone to know that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is possible. Finding what work for you may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, and physical health and mental health – and set yourself on the path to recovery. 

DOWNLOAD “Supporting Others” Handout

For more information, visit www.mhanational.org/may. 

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MHARS Board offers medication disposal pouches free by mail

REQUEST YOURS by filling out this simple online form

The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County is offering free Safe Medication Disposal Pouches by mail to residents of Lorain County, until June 5, 2020, or as supplies last.

“Since most of us are home due to precautions for COVID-19, we can use this time to assess the safety of our own medicine cabinets,” says Jinx Mastney, Opioid Response Outreach Coordinator for the MHARS Board. “Old and unused prescriptions and medications can be dangerous if left around the house.”

A Safe Medication Disposal Pouch “deactivates” drugs, rendering them inert and safe for disposal through regular home trash. Disposing of medication safely prevents misuse, or accidental exposure by children or pets. 

The MHARS Board is offering the pouches free by mail within Lorain County in response to COVID-19.

Mastney notes that the public has less access to typical medication-collection spots. Twice a year, during National Drug Takeback Days, the MHARS Board promotes ways and places to dispose of drugs that can be dangerous or misused. This April’s Drug Takeback Day is postponed because of the novel coronavirus, but Mastney says that the MHARS Board is still making safety options available to the public.

Also, the national Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) launched a “Secure Your Meds” safety campaign in lieu of Drug Takeback Day, with social media messages to share at takebackday.dea.gov or the MHARS Facebook page at facebook.com/mharsloraincounty.

“Protecting the health and safety of our communities is DEA’s top priority, especially during the unprecedented public health emergency,” DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon stated in a release. “With Americans at home, families need to be even more vigilant and keep prescription medications safe, secure, and out of reach of children and others in the household.”

For a free disposal pouch, please contact Mastney at 440-282-9920 or jmastney@lorainadas.org.

The MHARS Board serves as the local authority for community mental health and substance use services. The Board is the county agency responsible for the planning, evaluation and funding of needed programs and facilities for addiction and mental health services.

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Ohio Launches Toll-Free ‘COVID Careline’ to Provide Emotional Support for Ohioans Amid Coronavirus Pandemic: 1-800-720-9616

COLUMBUS –The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) today joined with Governor Mike DeWine and RecoveryOhio to launch a new, toll-free Careline to provide emotional support for Ohioans who are experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohioans may call 1-800-720-9616 to connect with trained counselors for 24/7 support.

“Coronavirus has undoubtedly affected how Ohioans are living their lives,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotional reactions in adults and children. Reaching out for help to cope with that stress will make you, the people you care about, and Ohio stronger.”

Common signs of stress during an infectious disease outbreak include:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Worsening of mental health conditions
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
• Difficulty coping with changes in daily routines
• Feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Financial worries

“It is completely natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during and after a disaster,” said OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss. “Taking care of your emotional health during an emergency will help you think clearly and respond in ways that help you and your family remain healthy now and in the future. Our hope is that the Careline will help thousands of Ohioans connect with resources and services they need to create wellness in these uncertain times.”

The Careline is staffed by credentialed counselors who have been trained to provide free, confidential support for a wide range of needs, including mental health concerns, substance use, problem gambling, and more. Individuals experiencing an acute crisis can still reach out to the Ohio Crisis Text Line (keyword 4HOPE to 741 741) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).

“As Ohio moves toward recovery from the pandemic, we encourage our citizens to reach out for help if they need someone to talk to,” said RecoveryOhio Director Alisha Nelson. “We cannot underestimate the importance of our mental health during this crisis and beyond. If you are having a difficult time, please take care of yourself and call the Careline.”

For more information about the Careline, visit: http://mha.ohio.gov/careline.

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